Phoenician sanctuary of Kharayeb

The Phoenician sanctuary of Kharayeb is a significant archaeological site located near Tyre, Southern Lebanon, that provides insight into the religious practices of the Phoenician civilization. Initially established in the 6th century BCE, the site includes a Hellenistic period temple that replaced earlier structures made from perishable materials. The sanctuary is notable for its pre-Classical Phoenician temple design and features such as a cavetto cornice and Egyptian-style statues. Thousands of terracotta figurines and miniature vessels were discovered, indicating intensive religious activity focused on healing and salvation deities. The site reflects a blend of Phoenician and Hellenistic influences in its art and architecture, representing the cultural and religious interactions in the region during the Iron Age and Classical periods.