Who destroyed Baalbek temple?
The ruined temple complex was fortified under the name al-Qala’ ( lit. “The Fortress”) but was sacked with great violence by the Damascene caliph Marwan II in 748, at which time it was dismantled and largely depopulated.
Who built Baalbek Lebanon?
the Phoenicians
Major construction in Baalbek first began under the Phoenicians, and it was the Phoenicians who erected an enormous temple to the Phoenician sky god, Baal. Baal was one of the most important gods in the Phoenician pantheon, making Baalbek a popular site for pilgrimages from across the region.
What is the history of Baalbek?
Inhabited as early as 9000 BCE, Baalbek grew into an important pilgrimage site in the ancient world for the worship of the sky-god Baal and his consort Astarte, the Queen of Heaven in Phoenician religion (the name ‘Baalbek’ means Lord Baal of the Beqaa Valley).
Did the Romans built Baalbek?
The acropolis of Baalbek comprises several temples. The Roman construction was built on top of earlier ruins which were formed into a raised plaza, formed of twenty-four monoliths, the largest weighing over 800 tons.
How many Hindus are there in Lebanon?
Lebanon has a community of around 13,000 Hindus. There is a very small and ancient community of Zoroastrians numbering between 100-500 individuals.
Who built the temple of Jupiter in Baalbek?
The emperor Antoninus Pius
The emperor Antoninus Pius (r. 138-161) initiated the building of the Great Court in front of the temple of Jupiter. The celebrations must have been quite impressive: writing several centuries later, the Antiochene chronicler John Malalas believed Antoninus to have been the builder of all of Heliopolis.
What are the Baalbek ruins?
Located in modern day Lebanon, the ruins stand tall as an archaeological wonder with towering monuments and impressive columns. As significant holy grounds, Baalbek was a center for Mesopotamian, Roman, Christian and Islamic worship as each group introduced their own heritage to this sacred monument. Baalbek, Ruins | © Francisco Antunes / Flickr
What is Baalbek known for?
As early as 9000 BC, Baalbek was a place for worship and became a cornerstone of ancient civilizations. Located in modern day Lebanon, the ruins stand tall as an archaeological wonder with towering monuments and impressive columns.
What is the temple of Bacchus in Baalbek?
The temple of Bacchus stands out from the rest as it is so well preserved and is adorned with beautiful carvings that date back to the Roman Empire. Today, the ruins of Baalbek still stand as one of Lebanon’s most prized historical treasures.
What is the Acropolis of Baalbek made of?
The acropolis of Baalbek comprises several temples. The Roman construction was built on top of earlier ruins which were formed into a raised plaza, formed of twenty-four monoliths, the largest weighing over 800 tons.