A Day Trip to the Oldest City in the World

On Saturday, we hopped into a taxi and went 40 minutes north to Byblos, otherwise know as Jubayl ( جبيل ) in Arabic. While there, we went to a site that has been occupied by Canaanites, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Romans, Mamlouks, Ottomans, the Lebanese (of course), and more.  Byblos is also the word that Bible comes from. The Egyptians would bring papyrus here to trade for Lebanese cedar. At the archaeological site we spent much of our time at, scientists have found items from as far back a prehistoric times. As with may popular places to live it seems that the deeper people dig the more they find. There is a Crusader castle here with a traditional Lebanese building from the early 20th century. There are a few temples where different gods and goddesses were prayed to next to Roman columns lying on the ground. There are sarcophagi that were found in deep burial chambers underneath what would have been buildings where average people lived their lives day by day in ancient times.

Along with this awesome site, there is a beautiful shoreline with rocky and sandy beaches, an ancient harbor, wonderful souks (farmer's markets) and kind, friendly people.

Here are some pictures of the day we had!

The old Crusader Castle 

Another view. Notice the sarcophagus in the forefront. The metal fencing is the only barrier to the huge hole where they found it. I'm sure you couldn't get that close to such a deep hole in the States.

Another side of the castle.

Of course, like all ruins here in Lebanon, you always see old Roman columns just sitting around...

Janna inside the old Amphitheater. 

The seats of the Amphitheater with a great view of Byblos in the background.

Sitting in the Amphitheater and waiting for the show to start.

Next to the Amphitheater is the "Necropolis Royale". I loved the wind swept angle this tree had.

On our way out to look at the coastline and see the old traditional Lebanese house.

There were prehistoric ruins between the castle and the house.

The house got bigger and bigger as we got closer!

There were some incredible views of the shoreline from here. I understand why the house was built on a bluff.

I'm thinking we are going to come back in the spring and visit the resort beach below. 

On our way back to the castle we saw this prehistoric well. The picture doesn't do it justice. It's VERY deep.

This is where the Phoenician "Temple of the Obelisks" was moved to. It was built on top of  "The Great Temple" also known as "The L Shaped Temple". It is so old that little is know about that temple.

As we walked up to the Crusader Castle we noticed that just like the castle in Sidon (Saida in Arabic), the Crusaders "recycled" the Roman columns to help support the walls here as well.

Within the castle there were archery slots.

Like father, like daughter.

I am always astounded with the ceilings of these places. 

The view from the castle.

This was within the castle with a few other artifacts. 

A very nice couple that knew VERY little English offered to take our picture. Apparently our camera is challenging to use but still, it's not too bad of a picture. (I wish Janna was in it a little more)

On our way to the harbor we saw this beautiful church. As it always seems here, it was within the same block as a mosque.

The old harbor

Interesting that the "dry dock" is right next to an ancient wall.

This looked like a nice place to eat. We wanted a t-shirt but they didn't have any. It was also VERY expensive. We didn't eat there....

It was difficult to see where the channel was for the boats to come in and out of the harbor.

Very narrow opening to the harbor.

This nice yacht came up and anchored outside of the harbor. The flag was either from Australia or New Zealand. 

We walked out to a point on the Corniche and the view was fantastic.

Here is the traditional Lebanese house we were at earlier.

Overall, it was a wonderful day. We plan on going here again and enjoying the beaches in the future!