Beirut
Country: Lebanon
Region: Middle East
Period: 1888-1918, 1943-present
Location: 33.895778°N, 35.505139°E
Description
Berytus, known today as Beirut, was one of the prominent city-states of ancient Phoenicia, located along the eastern Mediterranean coast. As a Phoenician settlement, Berytus was a center for maritime trade, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange. It later came under the influence of various empires but retained its Phoenician identity during the city-state era.
Modern Remains
Modern Beirut overlays much of ancient Berytus, but archaeological excavations have uncovered remnants of Phoenician walls, harbor structures, and Roman-era ruins. The Beirut National Museum and several urban archaeological sites preserve artifacts from the city's early Phoenician and later periods. Despite urban development, pockets of ancient Berytus remain visible, offering glimpses into its rich, layered history.