Baalbek

This famous site is another one of those places to show up in historical or archaeological documentaries. Baalbek is one of the largest temple complexes from Roman times that can be seen. It consists of 3 temples in the complex. There is something about the number 3 here as it shows up all over the site.
The 1st picture is the entry to the temple. Just past the gate is the entry courtyard in the 2nd picture. They say this is the only 6-sided space in the Roman empire. The 3rd picture is the great courtyard where sacrifices to Jupiter were performed. The altar is the large stone structure just right of center.
The 4th picture looks across the temple of Jupiter. It is located behind the altar and is guarded by a small tower that controlled access. Just to the left of center high in the picture is a set of 6 columns that are hard to make out as I took the picture more end on than I realized. Those 6 columns are original. They have been standing right there since the 1st century. After the cedar tree, these 6 columns are a symbol of Lebanon.
The 5th and 6th pictures are the temple of Bacchus, located adjacent to Jupiter. One is outside; one is inside. This is the largest temple in the best condition of all Roman sites, I'm told. The scale is enormous, and I find it hard to believe that the Jupiter temple is larger. I've seen many archaeological sites, thinking I had some idea of the impressive scale of the structures. My imagination was way short of the mark. These temple are far grander, more imposing than my wildest expectations.
Not shown us the temple if Venus nearby. This is the 3rd temple and is under reconstruction at the moment.Read more