The world’s largest and grandest Roman temple ruins： Baalbek

The world’s largest and grandest Roman temple ruins： Baalbek

Consisting of the world’s largest and grandest Roman temple ruins, Baalbek is a must-see place for myth-lovers. 

It is a roughly two-hour bus ride from Beirut to Baalbek.

In Phoenician, Baalbek means “the Sun City”. As early as 2000 BC, the Phoenicians built sun temples in Baalbek. After the Roman Empire conquered Baalbek in 64 BC, they erected multiple temples there, making it the Holy Land of the empire.

Currently, Baalbek temple complex comprises of the Temple of Jupiter (king of gods), the Temple of Bacchus (god of wine) and the Temple of Venus (goddess of love). Near the complex, there is also the Temple of Mercury, the god of communication.

The Temple of Bacchus is the most well-preserved one among others. At the exterior of the temple, there are around thirty Corinthian columns supporting the entablature, which is carved with Roman gods and scenes from the myths. Scenes depicted include goddess of hunt Diana drawing out her bow, the goddess of fortune Fortuna with the Cornucopia and the god of fire Vulcan holding his hammer. Bacchus and god of agriculture Ceres holding a bunch of corn and celebrating a harvest are also included.

Although the temple has become ruin after 2,000 years, it is still a remarkable place that is reminiscent of the architecture, religions and lifestyles in the Roman Empire.