Historic Ruins in Beirut Flattened…for a Parking Lot

Historic Roman ruins, some dating back thousands of years, are being demolished to make way for a new parking lot in Beirut.

Home to a Roman wall and burial sites, this area in Bachoura was previously designated as an archaeological site, making the destruction all the more alarming.

What happened?

The Ministry of Culture and the Directorate General of Antiquities approved the development plan to “relocate” the ruins to a new development site. However, experts argue that this approach not only compromises the integrity of the artifacts but also reduces them to mere decorative elements in a commercial project.

The destruction of these ruins represents more than the loss of stone and mortar. It is a loss of identity and history. Each artifact and structure tells the story of civilizations that once thrived in Beirut. Erasing them for modern convenience risks permanently removing vital parts of Beirut’s past.

The ruins in Bachoura stand as a testament to Lebanon’s enduring legacy, and preserving them ensures their history lives on for future generations.

Previous demolitions

This isn’t the first time Beirut has seen historic ruins vanish. In a previous case, archaeologists uncovered a massive site dating back to the 5th century BC. Believed to have been used for shipbuilding, it was one of the oldest known shipyards in the world.

Experts from around the globe studied the site, highlighting its potential significance as a hub of trade and early globalization.

Despite these findings, authorities approved its destruction to make way for a high-rise designed by a prominent European architect. Within a single day, workers used jackhammers and chisels to erase the site. The irony is stark: years later, the promised construction never materialized, leaving behind only the loss of invaluable history.

What do you think about the demolition of these historic ruins in Beirut? Make sure to check out the #News section for more content like this.

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