Beirut: Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salam© inaugurated the 'Rise from Ruins' exhibition at the National Museum, showcasing artifacts discovered at the Tell Fadous-Kfar Abida site. The event was attended by notable figures, including the Director General of Antiquities, Engineer Sarkis Khoury, and representatives from the German Embassy and UNESCO.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Minister Salam© emphasized the critical role antiquities play in rewriting and correcting historical narratives. He noted the importance of the Tell Fadous site, where settlement began around 4000 BC and lasted until the Middle Bronze Age, around 2000 BC. This timeline provides valuable insight into Lebanon's ancient history.
Dr. Salam© expressed gratitude towards the Directorate General of Antiquities for its two-decade-long commitment to the site since its discovery in 2004. He also acknowledged the American University of Beirut's cooperation in the excavations and the German Embassy's financial support.
The exhibition, which Minister Salam© toured with attendees, features 34 archaeological finds and four recent discoveries made during damage assessment. He commended the residents of Kfar Abida for their dedication to protecting the site, referencing the words of Palestinian poet Tawfiq al-Zayyat to describe their resilience.
Tell Fadous-Kfar Abida, located in the North Governorate of Lebanon, reveals a continuous settlement history from the Chalcolithic period to the Middle Bronze Age. The site's peak development occurred during the Early Bronze Age, characterized by urban features such as fortifications and public buildings, suggesting its role as an administrative hub for Byblos.
Despite its small size, the site has preserved significant archaeological features. An incident on August 23, 2025, saw a bulldozer inflict damage on the tell's features. However, swift action by local activists halted further destruction, enabling ongoing rescue campaigns to assess and document the site.
The Rise from Ruins exhibition provides visitors with an understanding of Tell Fadous-Kfar Abida's significance, featuring informational panels and display cases with artifacts showcasing the site's chronological and cultural history. The artifacts, including various vessels, highlight the daily lives and commercial practices of the site's ancient inhabitants.