Geography of Baalbek
Baalbek, Lebanon, a city in the Bekaa valley, some 40 miles (65 km) east-northeast of Beirut, the capital. Baalbek was one of the great cities of ancient times and today is primarily a tourist center, known for its magnificent ruins. The ruins have served as the site of the Baalbek International Festival, with dance, drama, and classical music.
In early times Baalbek was probably a center for the worship of Baal. After its conquest by the Greeks, the city was called Heliopolis (City of the Sun). It later became a colony of the Romans, who built several temples dedicated to their gods. Largest was the Temple of Jupiter; only foundations, a staircase, and 6 of its 58 massive columns remain. The lovely Temple of Bacchus is almost entirely preserved. Other ruins include the Temple of Venus and remains of the ancient city walls.
Population: 15,000.