Ancient Byblos

The ancient settlement of Byblos is currently partially surrounded by the modern city of Jbail, Lebanon, on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, about 38km north of Beirut (the site can be seen in the foreground of the image at the left; hover over to enlarge; image courtesy of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden, the Netherlands). The site is built on a rocky two-hilled promontory set about 30m above sea level. In the valley between the two hills was a well, which became the center of the successive settlements. The site was excavated by Ernest Renan in the 19th century; by Pierre Montet from 1921-24; and then by Maurice Dunand between 1925 and 1973.

The history of ancient Byblos (once called Gubla then Gebal) can be traced to an initial settlement during the Neolithic period, around 4500 BCE. The settlement expanded and had a flourishing during the Chalcolithic period, between about 3500 and 3000 BCE (see the Learning Sites model from the menu above). During the Early Bronze Age (c.3000-2300 BCE), the site became an important Canaanite West Semitic coastal city-state and timber and shipbuilding center with close trade connections to Old Kingdom Egypt. Many new temples were built, the well became a sacred setting, and a city wall was added. The growing city saw greater expansion during the Middle Bronze Age (c.1900-1600 BCE; and another period Learning Sites has re-created; use the pull-down menu above). Temples were rebuilt, the city wall thickened and improved, and a large harbor facility appeared to the south of the settlement. Several royal tombs built near the palace show continued ties to Egypt. Byblos' importance continued through the Late Bronze Age, Iron Age, and well after it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 333-332 BCE. It began a decline during the Hellenistic period. During the late Roman period, the city regained its significance and splendor (see the Learning Sites model of the now very large and sprawling city at its peak around 300 CE from the menu above).

Be sure to visit the exhibition on Byblos at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden, the Netherlands; the show will be open until March 12, 2023.

The American University of Beirut will be having a special program on January 18, 2023, which includes a short movie on the Byblos exhibition as well as a lecture by Tania Zaven, archaeologist, Regional Director of North Mount, Lebanon, and Byblos Site Manager of the Ministry of Culture/Directorate General of Antiquities.

The marker below points to the center of the ancient site.