Baalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon
Baalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon North Annex · Baalbek Site
Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional·Classical·🇱🇧 Bekaa, Baalbek, Lebanon
About
About Baalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon
Baalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon in Bekaa, Baalbek, Lebanon is a Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional temple complex attributed to Classical. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal sanctuary 80 × 55 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 34.0070N 36.2030E controls access to Bekaa resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey temple complex for Bekaa, Baalbek, illustrating Classical construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 450 BCE–100 CE
- Period
- Classical Antiquity (600 BCE–200 CE) or regional
- Culture
- Classical
- Purpose
- Sanctuary and ceremonial centre for state cult
- Rediscovered
- 1980 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 450 BCE–100 CE
Initial construction of Baalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon main structure
c. 1920
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1980–2010
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Baalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
34.0070° N · 36.2030° E · 220 m · 4 mapped features
Baalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon — Main Structure
structurePrincipal temple complex — Sanctuary 80 × 55 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
34.0078° N · 36.2039° EBaalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
34.0060° N · 36.2023° EBaalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
34.0085° N · 36.2042° EBaalbek Temple of Bacchus South Colonnade Trilithon — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
34.0054° N · 36.2019° E