Publications
Numerical and Experimental Seismic Characterization of Byblos Site in Lebanon
A seismic study of Byblos, Lebanon, reveals significant variations in ground motion due to geological and topographic site effects, with potential resonance from soft, shallow layers. Using field surveys that included ambient vibration recordings, surface waves, and 2D seismic arrays, researchers identified multiple resonant frequency peaks indicative of impedance contrasts and lateral subsurface stiffness variations. These findings were validated through a combination of numerical models and experimental observations, marking a critical step in the seismic microzoning of Byblos. The study highlights the influence of fractured rocks and anthropic deposits on seismic ground motions, offering new insights into the area's seismic hazards and contributing to enhanced resilience and sustainability efforts.
Byblos. A legacy unearthed
Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, stands out for its profound historical and cultural significance spanning nearly 8900 years. This city, renowned as a preeminent port and religious center from around 3200 BC, played a pivotal role in Mediterranean history due to its strategic location near Mount Lebanon's cedar forests and its close ties with ancient Egyptian pharaohs. Byblos is also synonymous with writing, contributing the term for 'book' to the Greek language. The anthology 'Byblos: A Legacy Unearthed' compiles extensive research from leading international experts, covering archaeological expeditions and recent discoveries that illuminate the city's history from Neolithic origins through the Medieval era. This collaborative effort between the National Museum of Antiquities (The Netherlands) and Lebanon's Ministry of Culture offers a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated exploration of Byblos' enduring legacy.
Evaluating the Landscape and Ecological Aspects of Urban Planning in Byblos: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Assessing Urban Forests
A multi-faceted analysis of Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reveals critical insights into its urban and peri-urban forests (UPFs), threatened by rapid urbanization. The study found that 28% of the city's canopy cover is concentrated in the northeastern region, with native tree species comprising 30% of the total. Significant variations in tree diversity were observed across different land-use types, with residential streets exhibiting the highest Shannon diversity index (H = 1.35), followed by the city center (H = 1.02) and vehicular areas (H = 0.64). A normal J-shaped distribution of tree diameters was consistent across all street types, while a silhouette perceptual test highlighted a preference for densely spreading canopies. Residential trees also showed greater structural diversity and varied blossoming seasons. This pioneering study on Byblos' urban forestry provides actionable recommendations for sustainable management and planning, ensuring the preservation of its ecological and visual value.
The Development of Byblos in the Geopolitical Context of the Eleventh and Tenth Centuries BC
Phoenician trade and seafaring activities in the Mediterranean, beginning around the 10th century BC, likely laid critical groundwork for later Phoenician colonization efforts in the western Mediterranean basin. This study reassesses Byblos' historical development during this period by analyzing geopolitical shifts in the Levant following the 12th century BC, which facilitated its expansion and stability. It highlights how Byblos' strategic positioning and maritime trade networks played a pivotal role in shaping its regional influence, offering new insights into the broader context of Phoenician colonization. The research draws on recent archaeological discoveries in Huelva, Spain, to contextualize these findings.
Assessment of thermal comfort in the traditional and contemporary houses in Byblos: A comparative study
Traditional houses in Byblos, Lebanon, offer superior thermal comfort compared to contemporary ones, primarily due to their reliance on natural and passive cooling methods. This finding emerges from a comparative study that analyzed environmental parameters and conducted an occupancy survey involving 46 questions across three categories: occupant demographics, house environment, and architectural characteristics. While traditional structures demonstrated better performance in maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures, both types of houses showed potential for improved energy efficiency. The research provides actionable insights for enhancing thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption, addressing a critical issue exacerbated by climate change.
Byblos in the Late Bronze Age: Interactions between the Levantine and Egyptian Worlds
Byblos emerged as a pivotal hub during the Late Bronze Age, bridging interactions between the Levantine and Egyptian worlds. The study reveals that while archaeological evidence provides structural insights into the city's dynamics, written sources—such as Egyptian texts, Amarna Letters, Ugaritic documents, and Hittite records—offer detailed accounts of specific events and geopolitical engagements. Notably, quantitative analyses of stratigraphy and object distribution, including Mycenaean pottery and Egyptian artifacts like scarabs, demonstrate associations between material culture and occupation phases. The research also introduces novel terms ('Terminus Sub Quo' and 'Terminus Super Quem') to model Byblos's stratigraphy, though challenges in visual clarity persist. This work synthesizes excavation histories with written evidence, positioning Byblos as a key player in the economic and ideological landscape of the Levant.
Deciphering the Byblos “Pseudohieroglyphic” Script
Research challenges the long-held belief that Byblos' 'pseudohieroglyphic' script is a syllabary or alphabet, instead proposing it functions as a restricted mythographic system of eidograms—visual symbols bridging pictograms and ideograms. These signs, nearly identical to the Vinča pre-script found across Europe, appear to invoke goddesses throughout the Old World. The study deciphers over 50 lines of Byblos script by applying knowledge of the Vinça pre-script, contradicting prior interpretations by scholars like George Mendenhall and Malachi Martin. This approach suggests a deeper cultural and symbolic continuity in ancient writing systems than previously recognized.
The Effects of Orientation and Ceiling Height on the Thermal Comfort in the Traditional and Contemporary House in Byblos City Lebanon
A significant correlation between thermal comfort and architectural parameters, particularly building height and orientation, has been identified in Byblos, Lebanon. The study found that these factors play a crucial role in maintaining indoor thermal conditions, which are vital for occupant comfort in the region's hot climate. Researchers used subjective methods, including questionnaires and sensor measurements of relative humidity, air temperature, and air velocity, to evaluate thermal perceptions during winter and summer seasons. The findings underscore the need for adapted strategies to assess thermal comfort, addressing the growing demand for cooling energy in the Middle East, which has tripled over the past 30 years.
Between City, King, and Empire: Will the Real “Lady of Byblos” Please Stand Up?
The 'Lady of Byblos,' a goddess central to the political and religious landscape of Late Bronze Age Byblos, is not merely defined by her proper name but by her role as a unifying figure within the city's complex social-political system. This study shifts focus from identifying her true name to understanding her significance in mediating interactions between centralized imperial governance and decentralized collective structures. Through this lens, the goddess emerges as both an integral part of Byblos’s order and a symbol of how deities shaped ancient political realities, offering new insights into the interplay of power dynamics in ancient societies.
The metal sheet figurines from Byblos: evidence of an Egyptian import and adaptation
Recent analysis of metal sheet figurines from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Byblos reveals they may have originated as Egyptian imports, subsequently adapted locally. These tiny, thin copper alloy, silver, or gold figurines—depicting primarily male human figures in a standing position—were discovered across multiple deposits on the acropolis, dating from 2100 to 1650 BC. The study identifies a foundation deposit at Deir el-Bahri, part of Montuhotep II's mortuary complex (c. 2020 BC), containing similar Egyptian-manufactured figurines, providing strong evidence for their foreign origin before local reinterpretation. This challenges the long-held assumption that such figurines were exclusively a Gublite product, offering new insights into cross-cultural exchange and artistic development in the region during this period.
Seismic estimation of casualties and direct economic loss to Byblos city: a contribution to the ‘100 resilient cities’ strategy
A seismic risk assessment for Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals significant potential for casualties and direct economic damage from earthquakes. The study models structural building damage, fatalities, and financial losses to support Byblos' resilience strategy under the '100 Resilient Cities' initiative. It identifies critical gaps in seismic preparedness and provides actionable recommendations for emergency planning, prevention, and recovery efforts. By integrating these findings into local governance strategies, authorities can enhance civil protection and mitigate the impact of future seismic events on this culturally significant site.
Byblos in the Late Bronze Age
Byblos, often perceived solely as a center for wood trade during the Late Bronze Age, emerges as a dynamic and multifaceted city deeply intertwined with regional geopolitics. Marwan Kilani's study reveals how Byblos evolved through periods of prosperity and decline, shaped by complex interactions of economic, political, and ideological factors. The research combines written sources with a fresh reanalysis of archaeological evidence to reconstruct the city's 'biography,' offering new insights into its role beyond mere trade. This approach highlights Byblos as an active participant in broader Late Bronze Age dynamics, challenging simplistic narratives about its historical significance.
Elite Emulation and Patronage Relationships in the Middle Bronze: The Egyptianized Dynasty of Byblos
Rulers of Byblos in the Middle Bronze Age adopted Egyptianized language, administrative titles, and religious traits as elite emulation practices to differentiate themselves from local peers and gain prestige through patronage bonds with Egypt. These relationships, rooted in early Old Kingdom interactions, were sustained by the exchange of high-value goods. The study argues that such cultural borrowing was a strategic move to align with Egypt's esteemed elite, reinforcing Byblos' status in the northern Levant and Euphrates region.
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