Baalbek, Lebanon

Baalbek (Heliopolis), Lebanon Sony a100 + SAL1870

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Located at an altitude of approximately 1,170 meters in the Beqaa valley, Baalbek is known to have been settled from at least 7,000 BC, however, some researchers, such as Graham Hancock, argue that its roots go back as many as 12,000 years. One of the most incredible features is the megalithic foundations of the Temple of Jupiter. It was built on platform of stones, and according to the German Archaeological Institute, the stone above the largest known stone block ever carved by human hands.

This amazed me as a kid. 3 stones at the Temple of Jupiter Baalin Baalbek, Lebanon. Each one is 70 feet long, 14 feet high, 10 feet thick, and weigh 800 tons. those ancient peole knew how to move their stone!

The Entrance to the Great Temple at Baalbek, photographed in 1900.

Baalbek, Lebanon

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de-salva: “ photos … Baalbek Columns (Lebanon, beginning of the 20th century). Baalbek: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baalbek ”

Baalbek is a town in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon situated east of the Litani River. Known as Heliopolis (Greek: Ἡλιούπολις) during the period of Roman rule, it was one of the largest sanctuaries in the empire and contains some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Lebanon. The gods worshiped at the temple, the triad of Jupiter, Venus and Bacchus, were grafted onto the indigenous deities of Hadad, Atargatis and a young male god of fertility.