BAALAT-GEBAL TEMPLE

To the north of Ain Malek (the King's well), we go next to a former amorite quarry and the remains of a large building of the pre-amorite era. Then we arrive at the ruins of the temple of Baalat-Gebal, «the Lady of Byblos». For two millennia, the Lady of Byblos was represented under the traits of the Egyptian goddess Hathor-Isis, headed by a solar disc stuffed into two cow's horns. During excavations, there were many offerings sent by the pharaohs: vases vases, beetles, bronze axes. Built around 2800 BC, the temple was destroyed during the amorite invasion (2300-2100 BC) and rebuilt by the kings of Byblos. An important centre of worship, the temple will undergo numerous renovations until the Roman era. A path erected by colonnades will be built to give it access. Six of these columns were restated at the foot of the royal necropolis.