Southern Lebanon’s Archaeology

Lebanese archaeologist Ali Badwi will never forget the night the Israelis evacuated Beaufort castle, west of Sidon. The troops drove off southwards at midnight and Ali was there by dawn, gazing up in awe at one of the most famous crusader castles brooding like an eagle on the edge of its eyrie. It was an emotional moment.

Ali, along with archaeologists and historians in Lebanon and from abroad, are rubbing their hands with anticipation over the prospect of the work to be done in the south of the country. The Israeli occupation ended in May 2000. It had lasted for twenty-two years, making the area largely inaccessible. Now, work can begin again in one of the most historically rich areas in the Middle East.

There is certainly much to do. When the Israelis pulled out of Beaufort castle, they blew up parts of it, despite a request by the Lebanese government to respect an already ravaged historical site.