Baalbek (Heliopolis)

The shrine of the temple of Jupiter, Baalbek. Photo Jona Lendering.

The six columns of the temple of Jupiter

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

History

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The Anthologia Palatina is a collection of Greek poetry, which includes some ancient oracles. This one, translated by W.R. Paton, is #14.75.

An Oracle from Heliopolis

An Oracle given in Heliopolis when the Ship was lost containing the columns of the temple of Zeus there, which are now in Berytus.

(Zeus is speaking to Apollo)

Tell Poseidon: "Thou shouldst obey thy two elder brethren; it is not meet for thee to glory in the possession of the temples of my glorious palace." Say it, and thrice shake the glistening brine, and he will obey. But if he submit not, let him take heed lest I will burn the whole sea; for not even the sea can quench the bolt of Zeus.

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