“Tyre: The Rock and the Phoenician Legacy”
Archaeological excavations in Mashouq near Tyre uncovered a calendar used by the city’s inhabitants dating back to the 3rd century BCE. This discovery highlights the region’s advanced civilization and its early reliance on mathematical sciences for calendar creation.
When asked about the Phoenician heritage in Jabal Amel, historian Kassem Hejeij explained:
“The name Tyre originates from the Phoenician root (TSR), meaning rock, referring to the rocky islands on which the city was originally built before connecting to the mainland. Tyre, established by the Phoenicians on an island off the coast, was accessible by boats until sea levels receded, linking it to the mainland. The region is rich with Phoenician artifacts.”
“Artifacts and Ancient Coins from Tyre”
Hejeij added:
“Tyre boasts numerous Phoenician and Hellenistic archaeological sites. Coins from Tyre depict the Phoenician goddess of fortune holding the horn of plenty, a symbol of prosperity, dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
This symbol is still used today in financial markets as a representation of wealth and is engraved on gold coins, pouring golden coins from its horn.
Other finds in Jabal Amel include Tyrian coins featuring an owl, symbolizing wisdom, from the 4th century BCE. Coins bearing Phoenician temple engravings from the 2nd century BCE were also discovered, along with a coin from Tyre depicting Hermes, the messenger god, dating to the 3rd century BCE.”
“King Ithobaal: Tyre’s Legendary Ruler”
Hejeij further noted:
“One of Tyre’s greatest kings, Ithobaal the Great (887-856 BCE), established a powerful kingdom and forged strong ties with the Egyptian pharaohs. He signed peace treaties with the kings of Hiram and Assyria.
His influence extended northward, where he founded the city of Batroun. He also married his daughter Jezebel to King Ahab of Samaria, and Jezebel’s daughter Athaliah ruled Jerusalem for six years.”
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