A History of Baalbeck Lebanon
Site of the Imperial Roman Temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus
Mar 1, 2009
Lebanon is a small country, around 30 miles from east to west and 140 miles from north to south. Bordered to the north and east by Syria with Israel snapping on its heels to the south.
Baalbeck Part of the Fertile Crescent
Lapped by the Mediterranean Sea to the west and part of the Fertile Crescent, it has been an unhappy country since release from a French Mandate and independence in 1943.
Since 1970 it has seen Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) destabilisation, civil war, invasion and occupation by foreign forces.
Although still a ‘difficult’ place to visit, Baalbeck sited on two of history's great trade routes, one between the Mediterranean and Syria and the other between Syria and northern Palestine, is a historical and architectural treasure.
Josephus
Baalbeck, with a history that stretches back almost 5000 years was originally, in the time of Solomon, a Phoenician city, later Alexander's dominance in the region brought the Helenistic Age (334-64 BCE). The extensive writing of first century historian josephus has allowed students a tantalising glimpse of the period During the age of Greek influence, Baalbeck was known as Heliopolis.
On its decline a new Roman era (66 BCE – 306 CE) began although it wasn’t until 47 BCE when Julius Ceasar visited, that Baalbeck was officially granted the status of Roman colony.
A hostage to its geography, the city has also been occupied by Byzantine, Arab and Crusader armies, not forgetting Saladin, Genghis Khan, the Ottomans and the British.
A Unesco World Heritage Site
Today Baalbeck is a Unesco World Heritage Site and home to the remarkable remains of the Roman Temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus.
Work on building the Temples began towards the end of the first century BCE and was completed during the reign of Emperor Nero (54-68 CE).
The Temple of Jupiter Baalbeck
The proportions of the Temple of Jupiter (Great Temple) are truly staggering. It measures around 290 feet by 160 feet and stands on a platform, towering 42 feet above the surrounding country. Originally surrounded by 9 Corinthian columns, after a number of earthquakes, only six remain today.
Close to the Jupiter Temple is the Temple of Bacchus or Little Temple. Carvings of grapes, poppies and other scenes found on parts of the main door have suggested links to the Roman God of Wine.
Although the city is known for its Temples there is much more for archaeologists and historians to explore, among the treasures are: the Great Mosque from the Omayyad period, the remains of Roman public baths and a small mausoleum built as a burial place for the Mamluke governors of Baalbeck.
Sources:
MiddleEast.com
National Geographic Magazine
Unesco
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