The temple of Baalat Gebal was the oldest temple in the Phoenician city of Byblos, built around 2700 BC (during the Roman age) and dedicated to the goddess and lady of Byblos, Aphrodite. It was the biggest in size and its construction resembled the highest significant importance as it was dedicated to Aphrodite (The Mistress of Byblos) in the course of the Roman period. It was mended and restored several times over the past two thousand years. Moreover, the 6 still standing columns nearing the temple are the ashes and traces of a roman street dating from c 300 A.D.
As recounted by the Phoenician author Sanchuniathon, Aphrodite was believed to be both the sister and wife of El, the Phoenician supreme deity. According to this myth, she bore him daughters and in return, El granted her the city of Byblos. To honor the goddess, a temple was constructed in her name in the city.
Over the past 2000 years, the temple was renovated and restored several times. Most of the temple’s original construction framework has been buried under deep thickness of ash as a result of being destroyed and burnt by the Amorites during their invasion around 2150 BC.
