Baalbek (Heliopolis)

Ras al-Ain

Baalbek or Heliopolis (Ἡλιούπολις, "sun city"): town in the northern Bekaa valley, site of the largest sanctuary in the Roman world.

History

Photos

Ras al-Ain

At some eight hundred meters southeast from the temples of Jupiter, Bacchus, Venus, and the Muses, is the spring called Ras al-Ain ("head of the source"). The town owes its name to this place: Ba'al Nebeq or Baalbek means "Lord of the sources".

Near the shallow pool once stood a nymphaeum, a temple, and a small building with columns. The water of this source was used in the above-mentioned temples, and also refreshed the town of Baalbek. Today, there's a mosque.

A satellite photo is here.

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