Lebanon Archaeological Finds Showcase Rich Heritage Despite War

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Archaeologists in Lebanon have uncovered a first-century BC to second-century AD Roman temple near Maasser al-Shouf, with excavations expected to resume soon despite stalled work in southern regions due to ongoing conflict. This discovery highlights Lebanon’s rich, multi-era heritage at risk amid escalating violence, prompting UNESCO to list key sites as World Heritage in Danger and forcing a shift toward preserving endangered locations while some northern and Beirut areas continue archaeological efforts.

Lebanon continues to reveal significant archaeological discoveries despite ongoing conflict, though excavation work has largely stalled in the country’s southern regions due to the recent escalation of violence. In the mountainous area southeast of Beirut, researchers have uncovered remains of a Roman temple dating from the first century BC to the second century AD near Maasser al-Shouf, close to an ancient cedar forest. The site, which was repurposed as a Crusader fortress in the 12th and 13th centuries, was initially identified in 2017 through large stone blocks found on a hill. Excavations began five years later by a team from an Italian university, and archaeologists anticipate resuming work soon. The temple lies along historical routes connecting the Mediterranean coast to Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley.

Lebanon’s diverse archaeological heritage spans multiple eras, including the Phoenician, Persian, Roman, Byzantine periods, as well as the Crusades and various Islamic sultanates. Among the country’s most celebrated landmarks is the Roman temple complex in Baalbek, located near the mountainous border with Syria. However, the recent conflict triggered by Hezbollah's involvement and subsequent Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon have severely impacted archaeological activities nationwide.

In response, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently designated several Lebanese sites as World Heritage in Danger. These include the coastal city of Tyre, known for its Roman triumphal arch and a second-century hippodrome, and five castles in the Jabal Amel region, such as the Crusader-era Beaufort fortress, which was captured by Israeli forces in May. Sarkis Khoury, head of antiquities at Lebanon’s culture ministry, said the conflict has forced archaeologists to shift focus toward safeguarding endangered heritage sites in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa region, especially around Baalbek. He noted that excavations in high-risk areas have ceased and that foreign archaeological missions have suspended operations in the country.

Despite these challenges, some archaeological work continues in safer parts of Lebanon. In Batroun, a northern coastal city, excavations have revealed a Roman-era olive press, pottery weights, textile production tools, and two stone quarries—one Roman and the other Phoenician. Discoveries of pink and grey floors, Greek pottery fragments, storage jars, and tombs spanning various historical periods underscore the city’s role as an active commercial hub in antiquity.

In Beirut, a city with a history spanning over 5,000 years, construction-related digs have uncovered additional Roman-era artifacts, including an olive press and remnants of a hippodrome first discovered years ago during building excavations. Archaeologists in the capital also discovered a 2,000-year-old Roman bathhouse among other finds, often halting development projects when significant heritage sites emerge. Khoury emphasized that Lebanon’s geographical position at the crossroads of historic crises has contributed to its rich and layered archaeological record, which continues to yield new insights despite the ongoing instability.

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