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Who built Baalbek Castle?
The temple was probably commissioned by Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (r. AD 138-161).
Why was Baalbek castle built?
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.
Why is Baalbek famous?
Baalbek is a large and impressive Roman site in Lebanon which is home to the largest Roman temple ever built, as well as a range of other magnificent ancient structures. The site was inscribed in 1984 as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How old are the Baalbek stones?
The blocks likely date back at least 2,000 years, to around 27 BC. At the time, Discovery writes, Baalbek was a premier outpost of the Roman empire and went by the name Heliopolis—“the city of the sun.”
How were the Baalbek stones moved?
The Olmec of Central America moved enormous stone heads, possibly by floating them down rivers on rafts. The Inca created mountaintop kingdoms out of enormous yet intricately fitted stones, each dragged for dozens of miles.
Who built Baalbek ruins?
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 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 was the population of Baalbek in 1998?
In 1998 Baalbek had a population of 82,608, mostly Shia Muslims, followed by Sunni Muslims and Christians. It is home to the Baalbek temple complex which includes two of the largest and grandest Roman temple ruins: the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter.
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.
How much does it cost to visit Baalbek?
If you haven’t heard the news, the incredible ruins of Baalbek will be accessible for free to the public from Sept. 17 to Oct. 17! Located in Lebanon’s fertile Bekaa region, visitors to the ancient temples normally pay an entrance fee of 15,000 Lebanese lira ($10).