Ba'albek Ruins: Then and Now

posted on: Aug 7, 2020

By: Emily Devereaux/Arab America Contributing Writer

The Ba’albek ruins are an archaeological field day. Its pillars were erected as early as 9000 BC, and are marked with beautiful and intricate designs that leave archaeologists puzzled about how these drawings were carved. At the time of its creation, the Temple was attractive to people because it was truly like none other in its time.

Once a prized temple among many civilizations, to a lively area, Ba’albek has been through it all. Today, it stands in modern Lebanon and is an important tourist attraction there. Learn about the history of these fascinating and intricate ruins that have withstood storms, natural disasters, and human activity for centuries upon centuries.

History of Ba’albek 

While there are many legends behind the story of the creation of Ba’albek, the Temple Dating back to 9000 BC, Ba’albek was a worship site and quickly became a cornerstone to the ancient civilizations that lived around modern-day Lebanon. This archaeological wonder attracted faithful people of Mesopotamian, Roman, Christian, and Islamic worship. Each denomination brought facets of their own heritages to this sacred space.

It was believed to have been originally built by the Phoenicians, to pay homage to the God Baal. Baal was the main God worshiped by the Canaanites, and he was regarded as the God of fertility and rain. He ensured the land was fertile and those who worshiped him were blessed with many generations in their families.

However, the naming of Ba’albek is a point of contention. Many people think the Temple was built and named Baal because it was a general term for “lord” or “God,” which is similar to the Hebrew word “Adon” that is also used for “God.” The Romans typically called the city of Ba’albek by its Greek name, which is Heliopolis.

Each denomination did not coexist here all at once. Ba’albek was initially built as a dedication to the Phonecian Gods Astarte and Baal. Soon, while the Roman Empire was expanding, many Roman Pagans conducted similar rituals for their Gods. Eventually, when Christianity was introduced to the Roman Empire per Emperor Constantine, the temple was used for Christian practices.

Islamic rule soon became the power in this area. Soon, Ba’albek was used as a fortress and a Mosque was added at the site. This further enhanced the cultural significance of the Temple.

Temple in Ruins 

The decline of the Ba’albek Temple is cited to have begun when the temple was usurped by the Ottoman Empire. Under Ottoman control, the temple was actually abandoned and left for ruin. Additionally, the beautiful temple succumbed to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, countless storms, and other natural forces. Until 1898, the temple faced a lot of wear and tear, leaving it in mere ruins by this time.

However, 1898 brought a visit from the German Emperor Wilhelm II. The Kaiser Wilhelm II enjoyed traveling and he decided that his next journey would be to the Arabian Peninsula. Upon his entry to Beirut, he was received well by the people and nobles. He traveled throughout Lebanon and stumbled upon the Ba’albek ruins. He was blown away by the beauty and intricacy of the landmark, and he attempted to restore Ba’albek and preserve it.

Significance of Ba’albek Ruins Today

Today, the Ba’albek ruins are still standing. Although it is not fully returned to its former glory, it is still a prized historical in Lebanon. Not only is it a wonderful tourist attraction, but it is also a great place for locals to go!

The ruins are always lively with activity. Whether it is music festivals, folklore-related activities, or just an awe-inspiring sunset, there is always something to do at this hidden treasure from our ancestors.

While there are many fun and exciting activities to do at Ba’albek, it is impossible to ignore the sanctity of this site. When walking through these large and storied columns, picture all of the different people who have worshiped at the alters of their Gods. This site is an important symbol of interfaith relations and is a sacred space for many different denominations throughout history.

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