This is a traditional house in Byblos, Lebanon, about 26 miles north of Beirut. When we were there, I read that Byblos was considered by many to be the oldest city in the world. The site was probably first settled in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic B period, circa 8800 BC! I’m still wowed by that.
According to Wikipedia, the name “Byblos” is Greek; papyrus received its early Greek name byblos, byblinos from its being exported to the Aegean through Byblos. Hence the English word “Bible” is derived from byblos as “the papyrus book.” It is also believed to be the origin of the Greek term for books, biblia.
Great weekend, everyone!
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
Nice shot and really interesting. Where I live, a house is considered old at about ten years. I love places that appreciate their history.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. It is amazing to see places that date back so far, when the U.S. is so “young.”
Welcome to the blog. 🙂
Such a beautiful photo. I haven’t been back to Lebanon in a long time, but my parents were just there last year (we’re originally Lebanese), and it really is such a beautiful place despite the turmoil… I’ve been wanting to go back, so thanks for sharing this photo and taking me there at least in spirit! Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, you’re welcome! I LOVED Lebanon and its people. Truly one of the most beautiful places I’ve been. I’ll have more photos later on.
Interesting, in that I detect greenery in the background (the famed “Cedars of Lebanon”?), almost lush. I tend to think of the Middle East as decidedly non-green; my bad.
Anyway, nice li’l house you got there — I should be saying, “shot there”. I’ll bet it gets really hot inside, with the sun beating down and no shade. Thanks for the photo.
Thanks. 🙂
Cedars of Lebanon are really tall and wide-spreading (is that a word?) pictured on the Lebanese flag seen here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Lebanon
Yes, I found Lebanon to be much greener than Syria.
Absolutely fascinating! I had no idea this was considered the oldest settlement. Hard to imagine that people have lived on that spot for more than 10,000 years. Wow.
There is a food truck near my office that serves Lebanese food that is terrific. I’d like to go to Lebanon just for the food.
Oh, Jackie the food is incredible! Pretty much everywhere on the Mediterranean has great food. It took me years before I would try Lebanese food in the U.S. Too disappointing after the real thing.
Beautiful picture…amazing place.
Really glad you liked it … thank you.
I’ve never been there but it must be quite impressive. I’d also love to visit Jemen.
I agree on the food. I like it as well.
It really is beautiful, Caroline. I’m so glad we went there.
What a beautiful photo!
http://www.littleprettymess.com
Thank you, and welcome to the blog!
Ohh what a magnificent timelessness timetable ! Debbie
Yes, it’s rather staggering to walk in such an ancient place.
the papyrus book–I like the sound of that.
Me too.