The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than 7,000 years – predating recorded history. Lebanon was the home of the Phoenicians, a maritime culture that flourished for nearly 2,500 years (3000 – 539 BC). Its location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland has also dictated its rich history, and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity.
More recently its known for its civil war and conflicts with neighbouring Israel. Although there has been been a relative calm since 2006 and the country is slowly rebuilding.
There are still numerous checkpoint and armed soldiers on the streets of Lebanon
Light spills froma bar in the old part of Byblos
A view from the courtyard of the palace
The pillars from a temple sit next to the ruins of a crusader castle
Many of the Cedar forests have been destroyed but this forest high in the mountains is now a protected reserve
The church, part of St Antonio’s Monastery, was originally a cave in the hillside
Decoration and pews inside the cathederal
An archway leads off the souk
A couple of coffee pots sit on the mantlepiece above the fire in a family home
Just after taking this photo as we walked down the souk we stumbled though the aftermath of an armed stand-off between two guys
The ruins of this 13th century Crusader castle jut out into the sea at Sidon
A view through part of the Crusader sea castle ruins as a fisherman tries his luck. In the distance is Sidon.
Walking to the Cedar Reserve
Interior of the mosque
A view across Byblos harbour with the old town and castle ruins on the far side.
A tree covered path leads down to the harbour in Byblos
High on the mountainside a cross looms above the monastery deep in the valley
A small house sits nestled amongst the terraced fields in Qashida Valley
A figure of Christ with outstretched arms sits atop a monastery next to the dog river.