Trilithon of Baalbek, Ancient megalith in Baalbek, Lebanon.
The Trilithon of Baalbek consists of three colossal limestone blocks that form the foundation wall of the Temple of Jupiter, each roughly 19 meters long. Together, these three stones form part of the massive fortification wall surrounding the ancient temple complex.
Roman builders transported these enormous stones from a nearby quarry around 15 BCE, a feat that required significant engineering knowledge at the time. The stones were moved using wooden rollers and animal power before being set as the temple's foundation.
The stones display the craftsmanship of Roman builders, who cut the blocks so precisely that they fit together without mortar. You can see today how the joints between them are so tight that a knife blade barely fits through.
The site is open daily for visitors who want to examine these foundation stones up close, and sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the rocky terrain. Set aside enough time to walk around the full temple complex and view the stones from different angles.
Each of these three stones weighs as much as around 160 elephants, making them among the largest building blocks ever used in any construction. Ancient writers even described their scale as a marvel of human capability in their historical accounts.
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