Site Overview
Baalbek (Lebanon) — an archaeological marvel with some of the largest crafted stones known. The “trilithon” refers to three enormous blocks in the Temple of Jupiter platform.
Coordinates: 34.0045° N, 36.2032° E • Classification: Megalith • Era: Roman / Pre‑Roman contexts debated
Evidence Gallery
Photographs, measurements, and recorded data that document the site’s key physical features.
Key Details & Observations
What we know — and what remains contested — based on measurements and expert documentation.
- Weight estimates: ~750–850 tons per block based on volume and limestone density.
- Quarry origins: Nearby limestone quarries exhibit matching stratigraphy and tool marks.
- Transport hypotheses: The means of moving these blocks remains debated; possible combinations of rollers, sledges, and manpower.
- Precision: Surfaces show finely worked faces and tight fitting with adjacent blocks.
Claims & Debate Preview
Structured summaries of representative claims about this site.
Block Movement Mechanism
Evidence suggests a combination of rollers and sledges, but alternative views emphasize water lubrication hypotheses.
View Claim →Quarry Attribution
Some interpretations place the quarrying in a pre‑Roman era based on stratigraphic relationships.
View Claim →Purpose & Function
A debate persists whether the trilithon was merely a platform foundation or had a deeper, symbolic intent.
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