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baalbec

called by the Greeks Heliopolis i.e., “the city of the sun”, because of its famous Temple of the Sun, has by some been supposed to be Solomon’s “house of the forest of Lebanon” (1 Kings 7:2; 10:17; 2 Chr. 9:16); by others it is identified with Baal-gad (q.v.). It was a city of Coele-Syria, on the lowest declivity of Anti-Libanus, about 42 miles north-west of Damascus. It was one of the most splendid of Syrian cities, existing from a remote antiquity. After sustaining several sieges under the Moslems and others, it was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1759. Its ruins are of great extent.

Historical Examples

With such foundations as these, it is little wonder that baalbec has lasted so long.
The Innocents Abroad Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

We went to the quarry from whence the stones of baalbec were taken.
The Innocents Abroad Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

All the doorways mentioned above have cornices, and in those at Palmyra and baalbec richly carved friezes with side corbels.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 6 Various

When among the ruins of baalbec, a soldier came, and for some time hung about us.
Letters from Palestine J. D. Paxton

Look at poor cropped and dilapidated “baalbec,” and weep for the sentiment that has been wasted upon the Selims of romance!
The Innocents Abroad Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens)

The pillars before the building were large, but not equal to those of baalbec.
Letters from Palestine J. D. Paxton

One instance of this I well remember—it occurred hard by a small town in the plain of baalbec, where I was at the time residing.
Bible Animals; J. G. Wood

The artist must have seen the great portal of the Temple of the Sun at baalbec.
The Lands of the Saracen Bayard Taylor

Mary let them wrap round her face the veil of gauze of baalbec, and went to meet Iftikhar.
God Wills It! William Stearns Davis

baalbec stands near the foot of the Anti-Lebanon, a little above the general level of the plain.
Letters from Palestine J. D. Paxton