Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar, Archaeological ruins from Umayyad period in Anjar, Lebanon.
Description
The Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar are archaeological remains from the early 8th century featuring fortified walls, two main avenues, and numerous public buildings. The site includes palaces, baths, and a mosque that reveal how people lived during that period.
History
The Umayyad caliph al-Walid I commissioned this settlement around 705 CE as a trading hub and royal residence near the Litani River. The city emerged during the height of Umayyad power and shaped the archaeological record of the Bekaa Valley for centuries.
Culture
The ruins display a blend of Roman and Islamic architectural elements visible in the arches, columns, and grid-based street layout. Visitors can observe how these two building traditions came together in the structures they walk past.
Practical
The site offers guided tours year-round with detailed explanations of the different structures. Wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore at a leisurely pace, as the ruins spread across a large area.
Did you know?
The drainage and water distribution systems reveal advanced engineering skills of Umayyad builders. This infrastructure allowed the settlement to function in the arid Bekaa Valley environment.
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