Byblos

Byblos is the Greek name of the Phoenician city Gebal. It is believed to have been founded around 5000 BC. Byblos is located on the Mediterranean coast of present-day Lebanon. It is attractive to archaeologists because of the successive layers of debris resulting from centuries of human habitation.

Year	Decision	Comments
1984	Inscribed	Reasons for inscription

Reviews

Paul Tanner (UK):

Byblos is apparently/claims to be the “oldest continuously inhabited town in the world”. The “idea” is however more impressive than the reality. It is a pleasant enough town with bustling little harbour overlooked by the remains of a crusader castle (photo) – much like many a small town around the Mediterranean. On the hill by the castle there is an archaeological site with a range of ruins from Roman times going back to Bronze Age and Neolithic but in all honesty there is not a lot to see. If you have made it to Lebanon however you should go up there – it is an easy trip out of Beirut either as part of a circuit up to the Cedars of Lebanon or as a return trip. It is all very relaxed and there are some good restaurants and pleasant cafes.

Date posted: June 2005

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