Aadloun stele

The Aadloun stele is an ancient rock relief and inscription located in the limestone formations near the town of Aadloun, Lebanon, between Sidon and Tyre. Discovered in 1843, this heavily weathered relief is attributed to the reign of Ramesses II, one of Egypt's most illustrious pharaohs who ruled during the late 13th century BCE. The stele depicts a figure, likely Ramesses II himself, making an offering of prisoners to the deity Ptah. The geological and environmental conditions, particularly the corrosive sea air, have obscured much of the hieroglyphic inscriptions, leaving only fragments visible. This site, much like the Stelae of Nahr el-Kalb located about 60 kilometers to the north, holds significant archaeological and historical value, providing insights into Egyptian influence and presence in the Levant during the Late Bronze Age.