Sidon
Location
About
One of the oldest Phoenician cities, Sidon was a major maritime trading center on the Lebanese coast from approximately 3500 BCE. It appears multiple times in the Hebrew Bible as a Canaanite city associated with idolatry, and Jesus traveled to its region. Sidon was the mother city of Tyre and the probable origin of the Phoenician alphabet's dissemination across the Mediterranean.
Significance
Sidon was the preeminent Phoenician city before Tyre and the principal trading partner of both Egypt and Israel. The great temple of Eshmun (the Phoenician healing god) outside the city was one of the most ornate sacred complexes in the ancient Levant. The Bible's consistent pairing of 'Tyre and Sidon' in both prophetic condemnation and as a region of Jesus's ministry shows its prominence in the ancient Levantine world.
History & Historical Arc
Sidon was occupied from the Chalcolithic period (~3500 BCE). It was conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BCE (peacefu…
Archaeological Notes
The Eshmun temple complex north of Sidon has been partially excavated, revealing a remarkable sanctuary with water featu…
Key Features & Structures
- Eshmun Temple complex (north of city)
- Crusader Sea Castle
Visitor Information
Open year-round. Sea Castle is a picturesque landmark. Eshmun Temple is 4 km north of the city.
Related Figures
In the Bible
Source References
- Isaiah 23:4
- Matthew 15:21-28
- Acts 27:3