Deir El Ahmar village features the remnants of a Roman era temple which stones are re-employed in Our Lady church.
Structure
Towards the rear of the church, one can observe a rock-carved section, bearing with a small staircase. On the west side, the temple stones are visible at the base of the church. In the parking area, the sheer size of the stones that once comprised the structure’s podium can be seen.
Among these stones, a large quadrangular altar is displayed, bearing under a protruding molding, a dedication to the god to whom the temple can be attributed, Heliopolitan Jupiter.
Inscription
The inscription reads the following: I(ovi) O(ptimo) M(aximo) H(eliopolitano) ET Fani, L….
Which translates to: To Jupiter Very Strong Very Great of Heliopolis and this sanctuary….
Karim Sokhn
Tour Operator & Tour Guide
References:
https://www.persee.fr/doc/bah_0768-2506_1967_cat_78_61
La Vie Religieuse Au Liban Sous L’Empire Romain – Julien Aliquo
