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Published: August 13th 2009
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Impressive architecture
The Romans could build things to last! When you sit in an ancient throne of a four thousand year old Phoenician kingdom, what sort of thoughts should you contemplate? What about when you cross the drawbridge that leads into a Crusader castle that is nearly seven hundred years old, what emotions should be elicited? Most especially, when you walk along the ring of a Roman racetrack that is two thousand years old, what sort of sights and sounds should you be able to imagine? All of these questions I asked myself in less than 24 hours, and it lead me to get the sense of how timeless the land of Lebanon is. Archeologists speculate that some of the findings of this land may even date before the Phoenicians, meaning empires could have existed here that go back more than five thousand years. This land has seen the rise and fall of many empires, and who can say for sure how many more it will see?
My first site to explore this day was a lonely and overgrown Phoenician temple. While the ruins here of course have seen much better days, they still convey a sense of power through its history. Trying to consider how much has changed,
and no less how much things have stayed the same since this temple's creation can be an interesting conversation in a place such as this. Moreover, being up close and personal with an important chapter in the history of humanity broadens the understanding of humankind overall.
The Phoenician society goes back to around 1500 B.C., making its roots around 3000 years old. Well, in truth, it goes back to before this time, but only with an Egyptian take over and intact record taking do we have traces of this society. While it was spread out around the Mediterranean, a neat fact is that it was very similar to ancient Greece. In this, it was a combination of city states that although with different ethnicities, were loosely politically united. Perhaps what the Phoenician society is best known for is the Phoenician alphabet, arguably the oldest and originator of all other alphabets in this region of the world.
There have also been many famous people who have ‘visited’ the area (by visiting, I mean with armies and staying for a very long time). These people include Cyrus the Great, Alexander the Great and even the Roman Caesar Pompey claimed
control of Phoenician land. Not to mention the bible mentions Jesus dropping by for a visit in southern Lebanon. All of these Great people have been inside Lebanon, making it the country again display its timeless essence.
Walking through the ancient temple was a bit humbling. Climbing the staircases, looking in long abandoned rooms helped me to create a personal connection with a society that goes far back into the past. It makes me wonder how my current society will be looked upon nearly 3000 years in the future. Will some teacher like myself walk through a major building of my home area (perhaps Mile high?), sharing the experience with his family and friends? Trying to consider what will remain of our society so far in the future, as well as what I hope will be represented, it puts our time on Earth in perspective. Perhaps the best word for this thought is legacy. As for Lebanon, there is more than one legacy to explore in a day.
The next major site for the day was an ancient crusader castle in Sidon. This was also a major site for the Phoenicians, and perhaps the oldest. In fact, the Phoenician dyes
and other products of Sidon were so famous that even Homer commented about them! This castle, built around the 13th century, was another example of the many conquerors and ruling powers that Sidon has seen. The castle itself is an interesting place. For me, I couldn’t help to notice how the modern city has shaped and formed around this ancient castle. For example, all around this castle are major ports. Sitting upon the rampart wall of a castle while huge shipping vessels pass by is surreal.
Finishing up the day, it was time to observe the Roman mark left in southern Lebanon. The city of Tyre contains a UNESCO historical site of the Hippodrome, an ancient Roman racetrack. Walking up to this racetrack, we explored and took our time through an old burial site. Judging from the various degrees of quality of the coffins and walls, it seems as though this burial has been used for quite some time, probably for more than just the Romans.
Going down the Roman road (still well in tact), we walked through the main entrance and got a full view of the racetrack. What impressed me here was how well preserved the
whole site was. The stands were still overlooking the site, the column in the middle of the racetrack still provided guidance, even the path of the horses still retained its worn lines. In short, Tyre has preserved this Roman hippodrome quite well. Of course, this seems to go with all of the major sites I have seen this day.
To think that I have seen a span of over 2000 years and a variety of major world powers with their legacies, it had been a good day. I was pleasantly surprised by the history that is so well maintained in Lebanon. In truth, this was only one day of exploration. Once again I have come to realize that giving a new place a full chance to share what it has to offer can be a very rewarding and powerful experience.
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Okmi
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nice pics
Nice pics!!! Hope you made a safe trip to Taiwan. Are you enjoying teaching and the place as well?