What historical sites in Lebanon are destroyed in the war

Introduction

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in significant damage to numerous historical and cultural sites across Lebanon. Here’s an overview of the major sites that have been destroyed or damaged:

Destroyed Sites

Mhaibib Village: The entire village, including the ancient Shrine of Prophet Benjamin, was reportedly leveled by Israeli forces.

Nabatieh Souk: This 13th-century Mamluk-era market was obliterated along with hundreds of more modern buildings.

St. George’s Church: This 19th-century church in Derdghaya was hit by an Israeli airstrike on October 9, 2024, killing at least eight people sheltering inside.

Ottoman Mosques: Several mosques have been destroyed, including:

An 18th-century mosque in Kfar Tibnit

Mosques in Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, and Blida

Damaged Sites

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in significant damage to numerous historical and cultural sites across Lebanon. Here’s an overview of the major sites that have been destroyed or damaged:

Destroyed Sites

Mhaibib Village: The entire village, including the ancient Shrine of Prophet Benjamin, was reportedly leveled by Israeli forces.

Nabatieh Souk: This 13th-century Mamluk-era market was obliterated along with hundreds of more modern buildings.

St. George’s Church: This 19th-century church in Derdghaya was hit by an Israeli airstrike on October 9, 2024, killing at least eight people sheltering inside.

Ottoman Mosques: Several mosques have been destroyed, including:

An 18th-century mosque in Kfar Tibnit

Mosques in Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, and Blida

Damaged Sites

Tibnin Castle (Toron Citadel): This Crusader-era castle had one of its walls collapse due to nearby airstrikes.

Tyre: While the UNESCO World Heritage Site was not directly hit, other historic sites in the city were damaged, including Byzantine and Ottoman-era structures.

Baalbek: The area around the ancient Roman temples suffered damage:

A parking lot near the temples of Venus, Jupiter, and Bacchus was hit by an airstrike

The Ottoman-era Manshiyeh house and the 150-year-old Hotel Palmyra were damaged

Chamaa Castle: This Crusader fortress was reportedly damaged during fighting.

Other Religious Sites: Various mosques and shrines across southern Lebanon have been damaged or destroyed.

Potential Damage

Archaeologists warn that even sites not directly hit may have suffered “invisible damage” due to nearby explosions. This includes potential structural weakening at major UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Roman ruins in Baalbek and Tyre.

The full extent of the damage to Lebanon’s cultural heritage is still being assessed, with many sites inaccessible due to ongoing conflict. Castle (Toron Citadel): This Crusader-era castle had one of its walls collapse due to nearby airstrikes.

Tyre: While the UNESCO World Heritage Site was not directly hit, other historic sites in the city were damaged, including Byzantine and Ottoman-era structures.

Baalbek: The area around the ancient Roman temples suffered damage:

A parking lot near the temples of Venus, Jupiter, and Bacchus was hit by an airstrike

The Ottoman-era Manshiyeh house and the 150-year-old Hotel Palmyra were damaged

Chamaa Castle: This Crusader fortress was reportedly damaged during fighting.

Other Religious Sites: Various mosques and shrines across southern Lebanon have been damaged or destroyed.

Potential Damage

Archaeologists warn that even sites not directly hit may have suffered “invisible damage” due to nearby explosions. This includes potential structural weakening at major UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Roman ruins in Baalbek and Tyre.

Conclusion

The full extent of the damage to Lebanon’s cultural heritage is still being assessed, with many sites inaccessible due to ongoing conflict.