THE RUINS OF FAKRA

Left of the sign which indicates the site of Fakra, stands the remains of a large square tower of 15 m on which one can access via a staircase. There is only the lower shape of cubic shape. It would have included a second floor crowned with a pyramid like that of Hermel. A Greek inscription indicates that the tower was built in 355 of the seleucid era (the year 43). A second Latin inscription proves that the site was dedicated to the cult of Emperor Claudius associated with the local God Belgalassos. There are many assumptions about the role of this tower: tomb, place of worship or treasure of the temple? Indeed, some historical theses believe that the tower housed a treasure composed of offerings made at Belgalassos.

In contrast, a monumental altar dominates the remains, while another smaller, with twelve columns, emerges a little lower. A sculpted niche of a reverse shell suggests that it was dedicated to Astarté. Altar or tabernacle?

Below, at 1 550 m above sea level, emerges the Qal Fakra Temple, a former Roman place of worship. Next, there is a small temple dedicated initially to the goddess of fertility, Atargatis, and then to Astarte. It was reportedly built by the Canaanites more than 3 000 years ago. They were installed in this region to cut the cedars that covered the hills and then bring them to Egypt of pharaohs. Inside, a large stone tank is found to contain purifying water. This temple was transformed into the Byzantine era (in the th century) in Christian Basilica. From its three naves, there are only two columns.

South of the temple of Atargatis, on the other side of the creek, there are burials in rocks surmounted by a cross.

The site of Fakra under the snow is amazingly beautiful.