Organised archaeological surveys and excavations, which took place at the city of Byblos since the beginning of the last century up to the present times, have proved that the stone structures scattered in different parts the city might well be dated to different historic periods. The oldest, however, according to the field evidences can be dated back to the Neolithic Period, or the so-called Fishermen Community (ca. 6000 BC).
Later intensive field surveys and excavations have also revealed the existence of ancient temples and other tangible material such the varieties of pottery ware, bronzes, among them for example small slim figurines representing men, jewellery and stone statues attributed to Bronze Age (ca. third to second millennia BC).
But the most important discovery found during the excavations at the City is the major role that Byblos played of the diffusion of the Phoenician Alphabet which was invented by the Phoenicians during the middle of the second millennium BC.
Although the main objectives of Alexander the Great when he invaded Asia in 333 BC, was to conquer Mesopotamia and Persia, yet he led his forces to occupy the entire eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. In this respect the famous Roman historian Arrian wrote in one of historical account the following: “the cities-states of Phoenicia submitted to Alexander one after the another.”
Through the Roman domination, the cities-states of Phoenicia seemed to have been benefited — precisely Byblos City. Archaeological excavations proved the existence of large temples, Roman bathes, theatre, and Basilica attributed to the Roman era.
On the other hand, however, the ruins of the Byzantine period (33-636 AD) were found in Byblos in three different areas. The first located close to the Temple of Baalat-Gebal, the second found near the Roman Colonnade, and the third is Byzantine Street which is now part of the prominent Byblos archaeological remains.
In the seventh century AD, Byblos and other city-states located on the eastern parts of the Mediterranean Sea was ruled by Ummayde Dynasty.
During the Medieval times, the city of Byblos used to cover an area of nearly 300x200 meters and a defensive wall. However, the enclosure walls, which are in the city, is mostly attributed between the end of the thirteenth and the beginning of the sixteenth centuries.
Building remains built of hard stones attributed to the crusaders period are very clear in the city. Chief among them are for example the large tower, which is located in the northeastern corner of the fortifications.
Saladin of Ayubi Dynasty ruled Byblos in 1187 AD before it was recaptured by the crusaders and eventually taken by the Egyptian king Bairbars in 1266 AD.
From the year 1516 until the end of the World War One Byblos City and the entire the so-called Greater Syria were under the Ottoman Empire.
In the year 1920, Lebanon and Byblos were placed under the French Mandate until its independence.
In addition to the aforementioned tourist’s attractions located in the Great City of Byblos, there is the city “Byblos Fossil Museum”, which contains collections of marine fossils — some of them attributed to millions of years ago, and traditional markets (Suqs).
The Peninsula
