History of Beirut in Timeline
Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is a historic city on the Mediterranean coast. With a population exceeding 2.5 million, it ranks as the third-largest city in the Levant and the thirteenth-largest in the Arab world. Its history spans over 5,000 years, making it one of Earth's oldest cities.
1900: Discovery of Beirut I and its Mousterian Flint Industry
In 1900, Godefroy Zumoffen discussed the findings of Beirut I, initially discovered by Lortet in 1894. The site, identified as "the town of Beirut" (French: Beyrouth ville) by Louis Burkhalter, yielded a significant Mousterian flint industry, now preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon.
1907: Expansion of Beirut's Infrastructure and French Influence
In 1907, a significant rail link connecting Beirut to Damascus and Aleppo was established, further solidifying Beirut's role as a major economic hub and increasing French influence in the region.
1911: Beirut's Diverse Population in the Early 20th Century
The 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica documented Beirut's diverse population, comprising 36,000 Muslims, 77,000 Christians, 2,500 Jews, 400 Druze, and 4,100 foreigners. This multicultural composition highlighted Beirut's role as a cosmopolitan center attracting people from various backgrounds.
1932: Last Population Census
The last official population census in Lebanon was conducted in 1932.
1943: Lebanese Independence and Beirut as the Capital
In 1943, Lebanon gained independence, and Beirut was designated as its capital city. This marked a pivotal moment in Beirut's history, transitioning from a city under French mandate to the center of a newly independent nation.
1948: Destruction of Beirut II and its Copper Age Artifacts
By 1948, Beirut II, located south of Tarik el Jedideh, had been built upon and destroyed. The site, where P.E. Gigues discovered a Copper Age flint industry, was suggested by Burkhalter to have existed at approximately 100 meters above sea level.
September 1956: Lebanese Banking Secrecy Law
In September 1956, the Lebanese banking secrecy law was passed, requiring all banks in Lebanon to adhere to the "secret of the profession."
1957: Beirut Hosts the Pan Arab Games for the First Time
Beirut hosted the Pan Arab Games for the first time in 1957.
1959: Beirut Welcomes the Mediterranean Games
In 1959, Beirut hosted the Mediterranean Games.
1960: Miss Europe Pageant in Beirut
Beirut hosted the Miss Europe pageant nine times, including a period from 1960–1964, and again in 1999, 2001–2002, and 2016.
1964: Miss Europe Pageant in Beirut
Beirut hosted the Miss Europe pageant nine times, including a period from 1960–1964, and again in 1999, 2001–2002, and 2016.
1964: Archaeological Discoveries at the Rivoli and Byblos Cinema Sites (Beirut VII)
In 1964, Lorraine Copeland, Peter Wescombe, and Marina Hayek made significant archaeological discoveries at two sites near the Bourj in Beirut's Rue el Arz area, designated as Beirut VII. The first site, behind the Byblos Cinema's parking lot, revealed collapsed walls, pits, floors, charcoal, pottery, and flints, indicating past habitation and activity. The second, west of the Rivoli Cinema, uncovered three distinct layers containing artifacts from different periods. These finds shed light on the historical depth and archaeological richness of the area, suggesting the presence of the ancient tell of Beirut.
1970: L'Orient Le Jour Newspaper is Established
In 1970, the French-language newspaper L'Orient Le Jour began publication in Beirut.
1974: Previous Visitor Record
Beirut welcomed 1.4 million visitors in 1974, a record at the time.
April 1975: Establishment of a Free Banking Zone
On April 1st, 1975, Decree No. 29 established a free banking zone in Lebanon, exempting non-residents' deposits from specific taxes and regulations.
1975: Outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War
In 1975, the Lebanese Civil War erupted, engulfing the entire country, including Beirut. This marked the beginning of a long and devastating conflict that profoundly impacted the city's social, political, and physical landscape.
1976: Devastation and Loss of Life in the Early Years of the War
During the first two years of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1976), Beirut suffered immense devastation, resulting in the loss of approximately 60,000 lives. The city became deeply divided along sectarian lines, with the Green Line separating the Muslim west from the Christian east.
1978: The Syrian Siege of Achrafiyeh
In 1978, Beirut's eastern Christian district of Achrafiyeh endured a brutal siege by Syrian forces. Despite relentless shelling, Christian militias fiercely defended their stronghold, repelling multiple attempts by Syria's elite troops to seize the strategic area during the three-month conflict known as the Hundred Days' War.
1982: The 1982 Lebanon War and the Israeli Siege of West Beirut
In 1982, Beirut faced another chapter of conflict during the Lebanon War, which saw Israeli forces besieging much of West Beirut. This event further escalated tensions and resulted in significant destruction and displacement in the city.
1983: Bombings of French and US Barracks in Beirut
In 1983, Beirut was rocked by deadly bombings targeting French and US barracks, leading to the tragic loss of 241 American servicemen, 58 French servicemen, six civilians, and the two suicide bombers. These attacks highlighted the volatile security situation in Lebanon and had significant geopolitical repercussions.
1989: Fighting Erupts in East Beirut
Between 1989 and 1990, parts of East Beirut were devastated by fighting between army units loyal to General Aoun and those loyal to Samir Geagea's Lebanese Forces.
1990: Rebuilding After War
Following the end of the war in 1990, the people of Lebanon began rebuilding Beirut, which had experienced anarchic urban development during the war.
1990: Fighting Erupts in East Beirut
Between 1989 and 1990, parts of East Beirut were devastated by fighting between army units loyal to General Aoun and those loyal to Samir Geagea's Lebanese Forces.
1991: Renewed Archaeological Exploration Following the Lebanese Civil War
After the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1991, Beirut witnessed a resurgence in archaeological activity. The city, built atop ancient layers, became accessible for exploration, offering opportunities to uncover and understand its rich history.
1992: Criticism of Beirut Reconstruction
In 1992, American University of Beirut professor Nabil Beyhum criticized the reconstruction project in "The Beirut Review" for destroying Ottoman and medieval architectural heritage.
December 1993: Law No. 282
In December 1993, Law No. 282 was passed, further strengthening banking secrecy and exempting interest and revenues from certain accounts from income tax.
1993: Salvage Excavations Reveal Insights into Roman Berytus
Beginning in 1993, salvage excavations in Beirut provided valuable insights into the layout and history of the city during the Roman period, known as Berytus. Discoveries of public architecture, including bath complexes, colonnaded streets, a circus, and a theater, highlighted the city's urban development and cultural life under Roman influence.
1993: Unveiling the Urban Fabric of Roman Berytus
From 1993 onward, salvage excavations in Beirut played a crucial role in uncovering the city's urban fabric during the Roman era, known as Berytus. The discovery of residential areas in the Garden of Forgiveness, Martyrs' Square, and the Beirut Souks, alongside public structures, provided a comprehensive view of daily life, urban planning, and architectural styles during this period.
August 1994: Decree No. 5451
In August 1994, Decree No. 5451 reinforced the income tax exemptions for interest and revenues on bank accounts established by Law No. 282.
1994: Solidere Established
The reconstruction of downtown Beirut has been largely driven by Solidere, a development company established in 1994 by Prime Minister Rafic Hariri.
1997: Beirut Hosts the Pan Arab Games for the Second Time
Beirut hosted the Pan Arab Games for the second time in 1997.
1997: Criticism of Beirut Reconstruction
In 1997, UCLA professor Saree Makdisi, writing in "Critical Inquiry," criticized the demolition of significant buildings in Beirut during the 1980s and early 1990s.
1999: FIBA Asia Champions Cup Comes to Beirut
The FIBA Asia Champions Cup was held in Beirut in 1999.
1999: Miss Europe Pageant in Beirut
Beirut hosted the Miss Europe pageant nine times, including a period from 1960–1964, and again in 1999, 2001–2002, and 2016.
2000: Beirut Co-Hosts the 2000 AFC Asian Cup
In 2000, Beirut, alongside Sidon and Tripoli, hosted the AFC Asian Cup.
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2000: Opening of the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory
The Saint Joseph University inaugurated the Museum of Lebanese Prehistory in 2000, the first of its kind in the Arab Middle East, showcasing a collection of prehistoric artifacts.
2000: Beirut Hosts Multiple Sporting Events
The year 2000 saw Beirut host several major sporting events, including the FIBA Asia Champions Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
2001: Miss Europe Pageant in Beirut
Beirut hosted the Miss Europe pageant nine times, including a period from 1960–1964, and again in 1999, 2001–2002, and 2016.
2002: Miss Europe Pageant in Beirut
Beirut hosted the Miss Europe pageant nine times, including a period from 1960–1964, and again in 1999, 2001–2002, and 2016.
2002: Francophonie and Arab League Summits
Beirut hosted the summits of the Francophonie and the Arab League in 2002.
2003: Publication of "Beirut and its Seven Families"
In 2003, Yussef Bin Ahmad Bin Ali Al Husseini published the book "Beirut and its Seven Families," exploring the historical influence of prominent families on the city's social and political landscape.
April 2005: Cedar Revolution and Syrian Withdrawal
A month after Rafic Hariri's assassination in 2005, a million-strong opposition rally, the Cedar Revolution, took place in Beirut. The last Syrian troops withdrew from Beirut on 26 April 2005.
July 2006: 2006 Lebanon War and its Impact on Beirut
During the 2006 Lebanon War, Israeli bombardment caused damage in Beirut, particularly in the southern suburbs. Hezbollah's "Operation Truthful Promise" resulted in Israeli casualties, leading to IDF targeting Hezbollah's media outlets and artillery raids in southern Lebanon. Israel then imposed a naval and air blockade on Lebanon, bombing Beirut's airport and the Beirut-Damascus highway.
2006: The 2006 Lebanon War
In 2006, Beirut experienced significant damage and upheaval during the 2006 Lebanon War, a conflict that had a profound impact on the city's infrastructure and population.
2006: Beirut Ranked 9th Best City by Travel + Leisure
Beirut was ranked the 9th best city in the world in Travel + Leisure magazine's World Best Awards 2006.
2006: Beirut Regains Prominence
By the start of the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, Beirut had somewhat regained its status as a tourist, cultural, intellectual, commercial, fashion, and media center in the Middle East.
2007: Prix Albert Londres Ceremony
In 2007, Beirut hosted the ceremony for the Prix Albert Londres, an award recognizing exceptional Francophone journalists.
May 2008: Clashes and National Dialogue
In May 2008, the government's decision to disband Hezbollah's communications network sparked clashes between government allies and opposition forces in Beirut. Control of the city was handed over to the Lebanese Army, and a national dialogue conference was held in Doha, leading to a new president and a national unity government.
October 2008: Lebanon and Syria Establish Diplomatic Relations
Lebanon and Syria established diplomatic relations on 15 October 2008.
2008: Beirut Among Top Ten Cities by The Guardian
The Guardian listed Beirut as one of its top ten cities in the world in 2008.
2009: Growth in Medical Tourism
Lebanon's medical tourism industry, including Beirut, experienced significant growth, increasing by up to 30% annually since 2009.
2009: Beirut Tops New York Times' "44 Places to Go" List
The New York Times ranked Beirut as the number one destination on its "44 places to go" list in 2009.
2009: Beirut Named Top Tourist Destination and One of the Liveliest Cities
In 2009, Beirut received significant recognition as a top travel destination, being named the top place to visit by The New York Times and one of the ten liveliest cities in the world by Lonely Planet.
2009: Beirut Hosts the Jeux de la Francophonie
Beirut was the host city for the 6th Annual Games of the Jeux de la Francophonie in 2009.
2009: Jeux de la Francophonie and World Book Capital
Beirut hosted the Jeux de la Francophonie and was designated as the World Book Capital by UNESCO in 2009.
2010: Record Number of Visitors
Beirut received a record-breaking 3 million visitors in 2010, surpassing the previous record of 1.4 million in 1974.
2010: Beirut Ranked as Expensive City and High-End Housing Hub
Studies in 2010 highlighted Beirut's high cost of living, with Mercer ranking it as the 4th most expensive city in the Middle East and "EuroCost International" placing it first regionally for high-quality housing rental markets.
2010: FIBA Asia Cup Held in Beirut
The FIBA Asia Cup took place in Beirut in 2010.
2011: Foreign Reserves Peak
Beirut's foreign reserves reached a near-record high of $32.5 billion in 2011. Analysts believed that the Central Bank could cover almost 80% of the Lebanese currency in the market.
2011: Beirut Records Second-Highest Visitor Spending in Middle East and Africa
Beirut's tourism sector flourished in 2011, with the MasterCard Index revealing it had the second-highest visitor spending levels in the Middle East and Africa, totaling $6.5 billion.
2011: Discovery of a Potential Phoenician Port in Beirut
In 2011, a team of Lebanese archaeologists from the Directorate General of Antiquities of Lebanese University announced the discovery of what they believed to be a Phoenician port or dry dock. Located approximately 1 kilometer west of the known Phoenician port, this finding had the potential to reshape our understanding of ancient Beirut's maritime activities.
2011: Beirut's High Visitor Spending in the Middle East and Africa
The 2011 MasterCard Index revealed that Beirut had the second-highest visitor spending in the Middle East and Africa, reaching $6.5 billion.
June 2012: Controversy Surrounding the Development of Archaeological Site BEY194
In June 2012, controversy arose when Lebanese Minister of Culture Gaby Layoun granted permission to Venus Towers Real Estate Development Company to develop archaeological site BEY194. The $500 million project, involving the construction of three skyscrapers and a garden behind Hotel Monroe in downtown Beirut, sparked debate over the preservation of cultural heritage versus urban development. International archaeological committees later disputed the claim that the site was a port, leaving the exact nature of BEY194 uncertain.
October 2012: Car Bombing in Achrafiyeh
On 19 October 2012, a car bomb in Beirut's Achrafiyeh neighborhood killed eight people, including Brigadier General Wissam al-Hassan, and injured 78 others, making it the largest attack in the capital since 2008.
2012: Expansion of Public Transportation
The Ministry of Transport purchased 250 additional buses in 2012 to improve transportation in Beirut and surrounding areas, aiming to reduce traffic congestion.
2012: FIBA Asia Champions Cup Returns to Beirut
The FIBA Asia Champions Cup was once again held in Beirut in 2012.
2012: Clemenceau Medical Center Ranked Among Top Hospitals for Medical Tourism
The Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC) in Beirut, affiliated with Johns Hopkins International, was recognized as one of the world's top ten hospitals for medical tourism in 2012.
2012: Condé Nast Traveller Names Beirut Best City in the Middle East
Condé Nast Traveller chose Beirut as the best city in the Middle East in 2012, surpassing Tel Aviv and Dubai.
2012: Banking System in Beirut
By the end of 2012, Beirut's banking system had a balance sheet of $152 billion, about 3.5 times the GDP. Bank deposits increased by 8% to $125 billion, representing 82% of the sector's assets.
2012: Condé Nast Traveller Names Beirut Best City in the Middle East
Beirut continued to receive accolades in 2012, being chosen as the best city in the Middle East by Condé Nast Traveller.
2012: Tourist Demographics
In 2012, tourist statistics showed that most visitors to Beirut came from Arab League states (34%), followed by Europe (33%), and the Americas (16%).
October 2013: Mim Museum Opens to the Public
The Mim Museum, a private mineral museum showcasing a collection of 2,000 minerals from over 70 countries, opened to the public in October 2013.
December 2013: Car Bombing in Central District
On 27 December 2013, a car bomb exploded in Beirut's Central District, killing at least five people, including former ambassador to the U.S. Mohamad Chatah, and injuring 71 others.
2013: Beirut Ranked Among Top 20 Best Cities Worldwide
In 2013, Beirut's global reputation as a top travel destination was solidified when Condé Nast Traveller ranked it among the top 20 best cities in the world.
December 2014: Beirut Selected as One of the New 7 Wonders Cities
In December 2014, Beirut earned a place among the New 7 Wonders of Cities, alongside Doha, Durban, La Paz, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, and Vigan, in a campaign by New 7 Wonders.
July 2015: Garbage Crisis in Beirut
Starting in July 2015, Beirut experienced a severe garbage crisis when the main landfill closed, and no alternative solutions were provided. Garbage piled up in the streets, prompting protests and highlighting the country's political challenges.
November 2015: Beirut Bombings
On 12 November 2015, two suicide bombings in Beirut, one outside a mosque and another inside a bakery, killed 43 people and injured 200. ISIS claimed responsibility.
2015: Beirut Hosts the Pan Arab Games for the Third Time
Beirut hosted the Pan Arab Games for the third time in 2015.
March 2016: Temporary Solutions for Garbage Crisis
By March 2016, the government established two new landfills, and municipalities began implementing recycling and waste management solutions.
2016: Miss Europe Pageant in Beirut
Beirut hosted the Miss Europe pageant nine times, including a period from 1960–1964, and again in 1999, 2001–2002, and 2016.
2016: Beirut Celebrated for its Cuisine and Travel Appeal
Beirut's culinary scene and travel appeal were recognized in 2016, with Yahoo listing it as the best international city for food and Travel and Leisure ranking it among the top 15 best cities worldwide.
2017: Bike Sharing Service Introduced
Beirut implemented a bike-sharing service in specific city areas in 2017 to promote alternative transportation.
2017: FIBA Asia Cup Returns to Beirut
The FIBA Asia Cup was held in Beirut once more in 2017.
2018: Religion in Beirut (2018 Elections)
The 2018 elections provided insights into the religious makeup of Beirut.
October 2019: Tourism in Beirut Impacted by Anti-Government Protests and Global Crisis
Beginning in October 2019, Beirut's tourism industry faced significant challenges due to anti-government protests, a dire economic situation, and travel bans stemming from the coronavirus outbreak, leading to a decline in tourist numbers.
2019: Beirut Voted Must-Visit City by World Tourists
Beirut's popularity as a tourist destination continued to soar in 2019, being voted the must-visit city of the year by World Tourists.
August 2020: Beirut Port Explosion and Aftermath
On 4 August 2020, a massive explosion at the Port of Beirut killed at least 203 people, injured over 6,500, and left an estimated 300,000 homeless. The explosion, attributed to stored ammonium nitrate, led to protests demanding government accountability. Prime Minister Hassan Diab resigned on 10 August 2020.
September 2020: Fire at Beirut Port
On 10 September 2020, a large fire broke out in an oil and tire warehouse in Beirut's port duty-free zone, weeks after the devastating explosion.
2020: The 2020 Beirut Port Explosion
In 2020, a massive explosion occurred at the Port of Beirut, causing widespread destruction and loss of life across the city. This devastating event resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, businesses, and residential areas, leading to a long and challenging recovery process.
2020: Beirut Explosion Impact on Gemmayzeh
The Beirut explosion in 2020 significantly damaged Gemmayzeh, Beirut's artistic bohemian quarter known for its trendy establishments and historic architecture.