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Document Details :

Title: The Lower Town of Beirut (1200-300 BC)
Subtitle: A Preliminary Synthesis
Author(s): CURVERS, Hans H.
Journal: ARAM Periodical
Volume: 13    Date: 2001-2002   
Pages: 51-72
DOI: 10.2143/ARAM.13.0.504492

Abstract :
The first analysis of the remains exposed during the 1993-1999 excavations in the Beirut Central District have revealed a more detailed picture of the layout of the pre-classical town. Discoveries at the edge of the stronghold already suggest a closer link of the stronghold with the lower town. A temple, palace and other administrative institutions are assumed to have been located within the stronghold. The lower town of Iron Age Beirut knew a quarter of sophisticated houses, a harbour with both dwellings and working areas, outer zones with working areas and burial grounds. Both the locations of the various quarters and their characteristic functions, and the use of the natural topography for the sewage system suggest that the inhabitants of Iron Age Beirut were well aware of how to combine nature, climate and topography with the needs of Iron Age life.

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