Royal necropolis of Byblos

The royal necropolis of Byblos is an archaeological site holding nine underground burial chambers from the Bronze Age. These chambers contain stone sarcophagi of multiple rulers, positioned on a promontory overlooking two harbors.

French archaeologist Pierre Montet discovered the necropolis in 1922 after a coastal landslide exposed the first burial chamber. The discovery opened a window into the ruling class of the Bronze Age region.

The tombs reflect Egyptian building traditions, with altars where rituals for the dead took place. This blend of local and foreign customs shaped how the burial ground looks and feels today.

The site sits within the walls of ancient Byblos and is reached through marked pathways from the main archaeological area. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground is uneven and some sections have stairs or steep passages.

The sarcophagus of Ahiram bears one of the earliest known complete examples of Phoenician alphabet writing. This find marked a turning point in understanding early writing systems and how they spread.

Part of: Byblos

GPS coordinates: 34.11944,35.64528

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:48