| TO SEE IN LEBANON - Baalbek - |
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Known in ancient times as Heliopolis, Greek for "city
of the sun", the modern name may be connected with the ancient Canaanean
God Baal.
The ruins of the ancient town are centered around the acropolis which incorporates
the Temple of Jupiter (completed over 200 years) and the Temple of Bacchus, which
was erected around 150 AD.
Both Temples were dedicated to the Heliopolitan triad - Hadal, the Syrian God
of Thunder, Atorgatis, the Syrian Goddess of Nature, and a youthful god who was
a protector of crops. These ruins are an important relic of the so-called pagan
cults. |
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HISTORY OF BAALBEK |
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Baalbek was founded in the Phoenician period. After
its conquest by Alexander the Great, it was named Heliopolis (town of the sun).
The Roman later built their own temples there, more grandiose than those of Rome
itself. |
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During the Christian period, a church was
built in honor of St. Barbara.
In the year 634 AD a huge Mosque and a school were built within the walls
of the temple compound, which was converted into a citadel.
Ruins of Baalbek :
- The Great Citadel
- The Temple of Jupiter consecrated to the Triad of 3 divinities:
Hadad, God of Heaven, Atargates, his wife and Mercury, their son.
- The Temple of Bacchus, the God of wine.
- The marvelous temple of Venus. |
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EVENTS |
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The International Festival of Baalbek takes place
every year during the month of August in this majestic setting. French and English
theater, classical music and Lebanese folklore dances are included in the program
(Charles Aznavour, Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Oum Kalthoum, etc.).
Special lighting effects reveal the romantic beauty of these gigantic ruins. |
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