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Byblos (Lebanon)

By K. Kris Hirst, About.com

Definition: The archaeological site of Byblos was one of the most important capitals of the Phoenician civilization. The site, located on the coast of Lebanon about 37 kilometers north of Beirut, has been occupied for over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. The first excavations at the site were by the French philosopher Ernest Renan, in 1860. Pierre Montet excavated there in the 1920s, and Maurice Dunand conducted several campaigns over nearly fifty years.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Also Known As: Jbeil, Gubla, Gebal, Jbail, Jobeil, Joubeil and Jbel (alternate transliterations of the Arabic name)

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