Name and Identification:
The Afqa Archaeological Site is an ancient sacred spring closely associated with the Phoenician myths of Adonis and Astarte. In antiquity, it was a major site for annual pilgrimages and ritual processions.
Description:
The Afqa Archaeological Site is an ancient sacred spring linked to the Phoenician mythological traditions of Adonis and Astarte. In antiquity, it hosted annual pilgrimages and ritual processions between Afqa and the Temple of Venus located within the World Heritage site of Byblos. In close proximity to the spring stands the Roman temple of Afqa, dedicated to Aphrodite, characterized by a complex system of water channels.
Location, Boundaries, and Immediate Surroundings:
In accordance with paragraphs 57 and 58 of the Guidelines, the boundaries of the cultural property and its immediate surroundings have been clearly defined by Lebanon. Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates, along with maps identifying the boundaries of the property and its immediate setting, were submitted with the application.
Central Coordinates:
766880.096 / 3773403.657
UTM coordinates defining the boundary lines of the property are provided below.
Date of Inclusion on the List and Statement of Inscription:
Provisional enhanced protection was granted to the Afqa Archaeological Site on 18 November 2024 by the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict during its fourth extraordinary meeting (Decision 4 EXT COM 4.2) (UNESCO, November 2024), through the adoption of the Statement of Provisional Inscription of the property on the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, as follows:
Statement of Provisional Inscription:
In light of paragraph 32 of the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention, the cultural property “Afqa Archaeological Site” (Lebanon) meets the criterion of the greatest importance for humanity.
The Committee considers that the outbreak of hostilities on Lebanese territory does not allow for the provision of information regarding adequate national legal and administrative measures recognizing its exceptional cultural and historical value and ensuring the highest level of protection, in accordance with Article 10(b) of the Second Protocol. Consequently, provisional enhanced protection is granted in accordance with Article 10(a) and (c), pending the outcome of the normal procedure for granting enhanced protection.
A declaration of non-use for military purposes was signed by the Minister of National Defence of Lebanon on 18 October 2024, confirming that the cultural property “Afqa Archaeological Site” (Lebanon) will not be used for military purposes or to shield military sites. Accordingly, the property meets the condition that the Party exercising control over the cultural property declares that it will not be used for military purposes or to protect military sites.
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