Megalithic constructions discovered in Lebanon

Polish archaeologists discovered the buildings erected from enormous, unworked stones, dating from the mid-4th century BC, in northern Lebanon, Zuzanna Wygnańska from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology (CAŚ) of Warsaw University informed PAP.

Credit: Centrum Archeologii Śródziemnomorskiej Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego

The archaeological mission of CAŚ conducted its first reconnaissance in the Lebanese province of Akkar, in the Fertile Crescent (also known as the cradle of civilization). The area is still being explored by the archaeologists.

The team found buildings made of unworked stones, each weighing several hundred kilograms. They noted two different types of megalithic structures - burial chambers (which were found to be empty) and large rectangular rooms, about 10 by 5 metres in size with an apse adjacent to the shorter sides.

Credit: Centrum Archeologii Śródziemnomorskiej Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego

According to Wygnańska, the constructions could have been used as cult temples. It is thought that the buildings also served as funeral sites.

Moreover, the archaeologists also discovered rocks decorated with snakes and other animals curled up or stretched-out along the stone. In their opinion, the neighbouring megalithic constructions served the purpose of being associated with cult activity.

Credit: Centrum Archeologii Śródziemnomorskiej Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego

The Polish archaeologists also located and explored extensive settlements which had been inhabited for hundreds years.

Akkar province is partially mountainous, partially level and intercut with numerous river valleys. The area was selected for research purposes from satellite images.

Source: The First News [November 24, 2018]