Before the ascent of the Greek and Roman empires, an ancient Semitic civilization ruled the shores and islands of the eastern Mediterranean extending from Levantine lands to the islands of Cyprus, Malta, Rhodes and Crete, across the coast of Northern Africa, spanning Carthage, Algeria and Morocco, all the way to their colonies in Malaga in southern Spain. From 1200 to 332 BC, these skilled seafaring adventurers journeyed from their homeland in present day Lebanon, and founded a flourishing network of city states by establishing colonies along the various shores they visited. Dr. Bassem Akl from Esol Education’s Universal College - Aley, takes us on a journey to the ancient city state of Byblos, which, along with Tyre and Beirut in Lebanon, was the homeland of the Phoenicians.
Contributing Writer: Dr. Bassem Akl, Middle School Principal & High School Social Studies Coordinator, Universal College Aley
From its origins as a fishing settlement approximately 10,000 years ago, Byblos is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, located 40 km north of Beirut, Byblos has been a part of numerous cultures including Greek, Phoenician, Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Genoese, Mamluk and Ottoman. From Neolithic settlements and Bronze Age temples to Persian forts and the Crusader citadel, the city of Byblos showcases an unprecedented depth of history, taking visitors on a remarkable journey through time.
“I've visited Byblos many times, but deepening my historical understanding has profoundly transformed the way I see and feel about this ancient city,” shared Dr. Akl. “What once seemed like a beautiful coastal town now strikes me as one of the great cradles of civilization. Byblos isn't just old—it's foundational. This is the city that gave the world the alphabet, and stood as a beacon of manufacturing, industry and culture while much of the world remained in darkness. It witnessed the birth of written language, the flourishing of crafts, pottery, shipbuilding, and the early stirrings of literature and theater. To walk the streets of Byblos today is to walk through layers of human achievement that shaped the course of history.”
The months of March, April and May are the ideal time to plan a trip, when the weather is mild and landscape lush, making this a perfect Spring Break destination. “Most of my visits to Byblos have taken place in the spring, a season when the fragrance of blossoming flowers mingles with the lingering scent of antiquity—a perfect harmony of renewal and memory,” says Dr. Akl. “The Phoenicians, who once thrived here, believed that spring marked the renewal of life, signaling a fresh beginning for humankind.” The city’s religious significance is underscored by the ancient temple of Baalat Gebal, the city’s chief goddess, which was also venerated in Egypt.
Once you visit Byblos, it leaves a lasting impression. The city’s history and ruins invite you to keep learning more each time you return. Visiting becomes less about sightseeing and more about understanding the past and how it shaped the present. The city is dotted with archaeological sites that reveal its long history. The old market, castle, and ruins show evidence of daily life, trade, and royal burials. Among the ruins are two stone chairs, which some believe are linked to ancient local gods.
Climbing to the top of Byblos Castle gives you a clear view of the city’s surroundings. On one side, you see the seafront, which shows Byblos’ importance as a historical trading center. Byblos was revered in antiquity for its export of cedar wood, papyrus, glass, and purple dye. The Phoenicians were renowned for their skills in ship-building, and their luxury goods such as pottery, gold and silver jewelry, were highly prized by cultures around the region, with artifacts found as far away as Britain, marking a rich maritime trade across the Mediterranean. On the other side, the Lebanese mountains remind you of the city’s long history of resilience. Inside the castle, you can see evidence of the many civilizations that have left their mark on Byblos.
The Lebanese National Museum in Beirut is a must-visit for archaeology buffs, with its stunning display of artifacts from Byblos: coins, pottery, and above all, the Ahiram inscription. Since ancient times, people have looked for ways to record their ideas and preserve their history. The Phoenician alphabet, developed along the Levantine coast, was the first writing system to use only letters, making writing simpler and more flexible. This system was later adapted by the Greeks and became the basis for many modern alphabets. One of the earliest examples is the inscription of King Ahiram of Byblos from the second millennium BCE. This text, found on his sarcophagus, is written entirely with letters and has no pictures, showing a shift from using images to representing language with symbols for sounds. Byblos is recognized as the birthplace of the alphabet, the basis for most western languages written today.
Byblos is far more than a picturesque coastal town; the city’s legacy extends beyond the past—today, it plays an important role in Lebanon’s cultural tourism and educational outreach. Institutions such as the Byblos Fossil Museum and ongoing archaeological efforts continue to shed new light on ancient life, offering fresh insights for historians and travelers alike. As new discoveries are unearthed and conservation efforts expand, Byblos continues to connect modern generations with the achievements of one of history’s most remarkable civilizations—reminding us that the stories of the past are never truly finished, only waiting to be rediscovered.
