Rahala

Lebanon is often called the Paris of the Middle East and rightly so. While you are not likely to find Paris on a Lebanon map, it has a relaxing ambiance and daytime sunshine often reminiscent of France. This beautiful county also has something you may not find in Paris, France: The Lebanese people. While citizens of Paris are often known for being rude and insolent, the Lebanese people are kind, warm, and considerate. Lebanon welcomes both women and men, traveling in groups or by themselves.

Beirut is the crown jewel of this county on any Lebanon map. It is Lebanon's capital and its largest city. Over 2.1 million people call Beirut home. On a Lebanon map, Beirut can be found along the middle of the country's Mediterranean Sea coastline. The beautiful blue-green sea is a sight to behold. Beirut is a very cosmopolitan city; however, it was not always this way.

Milestones in the History of Beirut

If you look at an ancient Lebanon map it will show Beirut as Bêrut. This city dates back almost 5000 years and the earliest known reference to Beirut was from the 14th century BC, when it is written in the Amarna letter. There were three letters from Ammunira of Biruta to the pharaoh of Egypt. It was also mentioned in letters from Rib-Hadda, a Pharaoh of Byblos just a few years after. This ancient Greek settlement was on an island that eventually silted up and was never on any Lebanon map.

In 140 BC, Beirut was destroyed and rebuilt according to a more Roman plan. In 1994, an archaeological exploration found that one of the more modern streets in Beirut was built along the lines of the ancient Roman road that is not on any Lebanon map. Beirut still has the ruins of several Roman baths that can be found on a Lebanon map.

After Roman control was established, Beirut thrived. Monuments and large public building were built and two of Rome's most veteran army legions were stationed at the city. By 14 BC, Beirut was known far and wide for its law school. By the 6th century, this school was one of three official law schools in the Roman Empire.

In 635, Beirut was passed over to Arabs. It became trading center for the Mediterranean area. However, it always seemed to be in turmoil. Finally in 1832, Beirut began its revival to what it is today. By 1888, Beirut was growing on the Lebanon map and became a large missionary city, which led to the great educational system it now has.

By 1943, a Lebanon map showed Beirut as its capital city, as the country gained its independence. This city was a large tourist and commercial center in the Arab world until a civil war broke out in 1975. This war ended in 1990 and has regained a portion of its status as a cultural and intellectual center of the Middle East. A Lebanon map will show where to find this important city.