Draft:History of Baalbek
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The history of Baalbek dates back over 9,000 years, and it has been a site of human habitation and religious significance since ancient times. The city has a rich and complex history influenced by various civilizations and cultures. The earliest known evidence of settlement in the Baalbek area dates back to the Neolithic period, around 7500 BCE. However, it was during the Hellenistic period that Baalbek began to gain prominence. Baalbek was called "Heliopolis" during the Roman Empire, a latinisation of the Greek Hēlioúpolis (Ἡλιούπολις) used during the Hellenistic period,[1] meaning "Sun City"[2] in reference to the solar cult there. The name is attested under the Seleucids and Ptolemies.[3]
In the 19th century, European explorers and archaeologists started to rediscover the ancient city of Baalbek and recognized its historical and architectural importance. Excavations and restoration efforts began in the 20th century and continue to this day, allowing visitors to appreciate the grandeur of the ancient ruins. Today, Baalbek is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Its well-preserved Roman temples and structures, including the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Bacchus, continue to attract visitors from around the world, showcasing the city's rich history and architectural heritage.