<p>At the center of the often tumultuous eastern Mediterranean, Lebanon has preserved its ancient history, cultivated an acclaimed wine industry, and brought once glamorous Beirut out of the rubble of war.</p> <p>Ancient cities like Tyre are replete with ruins, including this preserved Roman road and arch. In Roman times, Tyre was known for a precious purple dye—made from murex sea snails—that became the color of royalty.</p>

Roman Ruins, Tyre

At the center of the often tumultuous eastern Mediterranean, Lebanon has preserved its ancient history, cultivated an acclaimed wine industry, and brought once glamorous Beirut out of the rubble of war.

Ancient cities like Tyre are replete with ruins, including this preserved Roman road and arch. In Roman times, Tyre was known for a precious purple dye—made from murex sea snails—that became the color of royalty.

Photograph by Bethune Carmichael/Getty Images

Lebanon Photos

See photos of Lebanon (including Beirut, Byblos, Pigeon Rocks, and more) in this travel photo gallery from National Geographic.

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