For
centuries the temples of Baalbeck lay under meters of
rubble, obscured by medieval fortifications. But even in
ruin the site attracted the admiration of visitors and its
historical importance was recognized.
The
first survey and restoration work at Baalbeck was begun by
the German archeological Mission in 1898. In 1922 French
scholars undertook extensive research and restoration of the
temples, work which was continued by the Lebanese
Directorate General of Antiquities.
Baalbeck’s
temples were built on an ancient tell that goes back at
least to the end of the third millennium B.C. Little is
known about the site during this period, but there is
evidence that in the course of the 1st millennium
B.C. an enclosed court was built on the ancient tell. An
altar was set in the center of this court in the tradition
of the biblical Semitic high places.
During
the Hellenistic period (333-64 B.C.) the Greeks identified
the god of Baalbeck with the sun god and the city was called
Heliopolis or City of the Sun. At this time the ancient
enclosed court was enlarged and a podium was erected on its
western side to support a temple of classical form. Although
the temple was never built, some huge structures from this
Hellenistic project can still be seen. And it was over the
ancient court that the Romans placed the present Great Court
of the Temple of Jupiter.
The
temple was begun in the last quarter of the 1st century
B.C., and was nearing completion in the final years of
Nero’s reign (37-68 A.D.). The Great Court Complex of the
Temple of Jupiter, with its porticoes, exedrae, altars and
basins, was built in the 2nd century A.D. Construction of
the so-called temple of Bacchus was also started about this
time.
The
Propylaea and the Hexagonal Court of the Jupiter Temple were
added in the 3rd century under the Severan Dynasty (193-235
A.D.) and work was presumably completed in the mid-3rd
century. The small circular structure known as the Temple of
Venus, was probably finished at this time as well.
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