Baalbek
بعلبك
Lebanon · Baalbek-Hermel
In brief
Known as Heliopolis in the Hellenistic period, Baalbek was a major religious centre during the Roman period. Archaeological work in the temple precinct and quarries investigates the history of the construction and use of the monumental buildings.
What was found?
- 1Temple of Jüpiter
With its terrace built from enormous stones and its large columns, it is the sanctuary's principal temple. It documents monumental construction techniques of the Roman period.
- 2Temple of Bakkhos
It stands out for its rich stone decoration and monumental doorway adorned with figures of Bakkhos. It allows the stonework to be studied in detail.
- 3Temple of Venüs
The circular building presents an architectural arrangement different from the large temples around it. It demonstrates the diversity of design within the sanctuary.
- 4Quarry and burial chambers
Excavations around Hajjar al-Hibla found traces of Roman stone-quarrying techniques. Burial chambers later cut into the rock west of the quarry document the site's reuse.
What does it point to?
Baalbek points to a major center of worship where local Phoenician beliefs combined with Roman gods and architecture. The quarry findings reveal the production work behind the monuments and the changing use of the same area over time.
What did it teach us?
- It showed that Roman sanctuaries could incorporate local beliefs and planning traditions.
- It provided technical traces of the extraction of enormous building stones.
- It revealed that the quarry was later used as a burial ground.
Images




Record
- Culture
- Phoenician and Roman
- Team / historical
- German Archaeological Institute and Lebanese researchers
- Coordinates
- 34.0067°, 36.2042°
Sources
Nearby excavations
- —
- —
- 12.000
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