Byblos has been always recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited city. According to Phoenician tradition, it was founded by the God EL. But it is believed that the presence of the first human community – the Giblites -  goes back to the Neolithic (5000 AD)

Although it is difficult to specify a precise time period for the beginning of Byblos, modern scholars say the site of Bylos goes back to 7000 years.  At that time, the words Byblos and Phoenicia were not recognized by the city’s inhabitants; It was called “Gubla” and later on “Gebal” for several thousand years before the term “Canaan” was applied to the entire area.  The name “Byblos” came at around 1200 B.C. when the Greek called the city “Phoenicia” in reference to the coastal area and Gebal became “Byblos” (papyrus in Greek) because it played an important role in the papyrus trade.

On the fabulous archaeological site of Byblos, many Phoenician ruins and antique sarcophagus stand among roman remains.  It is here where the famous sarcophagus of Ahiram the Phoenician king was discovered.  The sarcophagus holds inscriptions that are the oldest traces of alphabet.  Since this discovery, Byblos is considered the city were the Letter was invented.

However, Byblos’ pride doesn’t stop here since this city has witnessed prosperous eras that the trade of cedar wood helped flourish.

Seeked by diverse civilizations, Byblos was able to get accustomed to different cultures and customs and to gain profit from each of its occupiers.

Today Byblos is a thriving modern town built on an ancient history, a prosperous mix of modernity and tradition.

While in Byblos, one is stuck by the authentic spirit of the Old Souks that gaze upon the Castle of the Crusaders.  The temple of the obelisks, the roman amphitheater, the Phoenician sarcophagus and the church of Saint Jean-Marc… remind us of what a precious city Byblos was and what a magnificent city it still is.