| TO SEE IN LEBANON - Sidon - |
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Sidon, on the coast 48 km from Beirut, is today
the South of Lebanon's commercial and finan-cial center. |
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At one time, this Lebanese city used to be one of the famous
names in ancient history.
Sidon was one of the most outstanding of the Phoenician City states, but unfortunately
its past is mainly a mystery for it has been tragically pillaged and scattered.
Its most beautiful ancient objects were taken in the last two centuries and can
be seen in museums around the world. |
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A FEW HISTORIC MARKS |
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The ancient
city of Sidon was built on a promontory facing an island, so as
to shelter its maritime fleet.
Its Phoenician period began
around the 12th century BC and reached its zenith during the Persian Empire (550-330
BC). Under the Persians, Sidon held a special position because of its Phoenician
god of healing, was built. Glass manufacture, the production of the rare purple
dye and its active harbor gave it superior status among the Phoenician city states. |
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Unfortunately, the prosperity of Sidon, like other
Phoenician states, brought a succession of conquerors.
The Hellenistic age of Sidon began in 333 BC and from then on it underwent a constant
succession of changing conquerors.
Romans, Byzantine, Crusaders, Mamluks, and the Ottomans all arrived on the shore
of Sidon, marked their stay with magnificent archeological monuments, and left
to make way for the next superior power of the time.
There are many remnants left of these bygone ages, such as the landmark crusader
sea castle, the medieval picturesque vaulted souks, the castle of Saint Louis,
the ancient ports, the Great Mosque and the Necropolis. But, there is thought
to be much more archeological sites buried under the modern city of Sidon which
is inaccessible to the public. |
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