Who built the ruins of Baalbek?

The temple was probably commissioned by Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (r. AD 138-161).

Where are the ruins of the largest Roman temple?

The Temple of Jupiter is a colossal Roman temple, the largest of the Roman world, situated at the Baalbek complex in Heliopolis Syriaca (modern Lebanon). The temple served as an oracle and was dedicated to Jupiter Heliopolitanus.

Why was Baalbek built?

As early as 9000 BC, Baalbek was a place for worship and became a cornerstone of ancient civilizations. As significant holy grounds, Baalbek was a center for Mesopotamian, Roman, Christian and Islamic worship as each group introduced their own heritage to this sacred monument.

How were the Baalbek stones moved?

Whether Roman masons or some other group, someone devised a way to move these massive blocks from the quarry over many miles and to then lift them onto a base of smaller blocks. In addition to the trilithon, there is a fourth stone in the temple, the largest of them all—indeed, the largest stone ever hewn by man.

Where are the Roman ruins of Baalbek located?

As early as 9000 BC, Baalbek was a place for worship and became a cornerstone of ancient civilizations. Located in modern day Lebanon, the ruins stand tall as an archaeological wonder with towering monuments and impressive columns. As significant holy grounds,…

What was the significance of the Baalbek temple?

As significant holy grounds, Baalbek was a center for Mesopotamian, Roman, Christian and Islamic worship as each group introduced their own heritage to this sacred monument. Up until 150 BC, the site was a temple dedicated to the Phoenician Astarte and Baal.

When did Baalbek become known as Heliopolis?

Going back to before 2000 years BCE, the city of Baalbek already had temples at the same site. Later, the city became known as Heliopolis under the Greeks, who added to the temples.