LOC09:41
06:41 GMT
BERUIT, Dec 25 (KUNA) -- The National Museum of Beirut reflects the
country's rich history and stands as a witness to archaeological efforts,
where objects dating back to the late 15th century have been restored and are
on display.
The exhibits articulate the country's role in spreading the alphabet and
trade around the world.
The museum, established in 1942, includes ancient objects from the Bronze
and Iron ages as well as the Romanian and Mamluks era, where engravings of the
Phoenician alphabet were found in the coastal city of Jubail, dating to the
10th century BC.
Museum curator Suzy Hakimyan told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the place
embraced pieces unearthed from several parts across the country, documenting
civilizations and history.
The rehabilitation of the National Museum was undertaken by the Ministry of
Culture, the Directorate General of Antiquities and the National Heritage
Foundation.
The museum suffered extensive damage as it stood on the front line that
separated the warring factions in the Lebanese Civil War in 1975.
About 1300 artifacts are exhibited, ranging in date from prehistoric times
to the Mamluk period.
Hakimyan underscored the crucial role played by the Tourism Ministry in
marketing and restoring the museum, noting that it receiving 3000-5000
visitors per month.
A huge sculpture stands as a witness to a merge between Lebanese and
Egyptian art. The artwork is made from sandstones dating from the Bronze Age
(3200-1200 BC).
The museum's masterpiece is the Sarcophagus of Ahiram, which holds the
oldest text written in the Phoenician alphabet.
Priceless 2000-year-old objects were unearthed in some churches and grave
yards in Jubail where they known as "treasure of Jubails monarchs." (end)
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