Lebanon ( History & Facts)

 

The name of Mount Lebanon originates from the Phoenician root lbn (𐤋𐤁𐤍) meaning “white”, apparently from its snow-capped peaks. The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than seven thousand years, predating recorded history. It was the home of the Canaanites/Phoenicians and their kingdoms, a maritime culture that flourished for over a thousand years (c. 1550–539 BC). In 64 BC, the region came under the rule of the Roman Empire, followed by the Ottoman Empire, then France.  Lebanon gained his independence in 1943.

He was also known at the early ages as the land of “milk and honey”, it was a paradise of forests, gardens, and fabulous water springs.

The awesome valley of the river Nahr Ibrahim was the scene of the Dionysian Mysteries which celebrated the love of Ishtar (Aphrodite, Venus) and Adonis, who died and was reborn with the bacchanalia. The written characters of the Phonicians were the basis of the Greek alphabet and the four-yearly games were another gift of Lebanon to Greece, to become famous later as the Olympics. This is the root country for famous figures such as Thales, Euclid, Pythagoras, Sunkonyaton. Mokhos, Cadmus and Zenon.

Our beautiful country, has a relatively small area of 10,452 sq kms, rich in condensed history that goes to eight-thousand-year.  There are variety to do and explore and certainly satisfies all tastes of nature and scenery lovers, historical and architectural explorers, cuisine and cooking seekers, unforgettable crazy nights and clubs hoppers, and challenges, energetic activities, shopping, or perhaps relaxation seekers…guaranteed satisfaction for all tastes.

Let us share with you in brief necessary information about Lebanon:

Country :

Republic of Lebanon

Location and Size:  

Situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean sea, Lebanon has an area of 10,400 sq km.

Monetary Unit:

The Lebanese Pound, or Livre Libanaise(ll), $1 = ll 1,507 approx

Main Cities:

Beirut ( Capital), Tripoli, Saida, Tyr, Zahle, Jounieh, and Jbeil

Climate:

Within 45 min drive in spring and fall, both skiing and swimming are doable.

Fall (October-November) Temperatures range from 5-20°C (40-68°F) in the mountains and from 15-28°C (60-85°F) on the coast

Winter (December-March) temperatures ranging from 10-20°C (50-67°F)

Springtime (April-May) The near perfect weather, 0-15°C (32-60°F) in the mountains and 15-25°C (58-72°F) along the coast

Summer (June-September) warm temperatures along the coast, 20-32°C (68-90°F),

Languages:

Most of the population speaks three languages: Arabic (official language),French, and English.

Religions: 

Ethnic Christians ( Maronites, Catholics, and Orthodox), Muslims ( Shia, Sunni, and Druze).

A Few Famous Lebanese Slang Words to Remember:

Marhaba ( Hello), Ahlein ( welcome), Habibi (my love), Wallaw ( beg), Atel ( bad),Bkit ( cry),Salbe ( orginal, different), Hamshareyti ( my gang), Bsheel ( lift), Momtaz ( superb), Kifak ( how are you), Adeich ( how much), Jaggal ( Attractive man), Chaafeh (beautiful girl/ piece of material)