description Beqaa Valley Overview
The Beqaa Valley is a long, fertile highland valley in eastern Lebanon, situated between the Mount Lebanon range to the west and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains to the east. It forms part of the wider Great Rift Valley system and contains the headwaters of the Litani and Orontes rivers. Its soils and continental Mediterranean climate support cereals, vegetables, fruit, and vineyards, making the valley important to Lebanon's agriculture and settlement geography.
insights Ranking position
Beqaa Valley ranks #47 of 265 in the Plain ranking, behind Mesopotamian Plain, ahead of Thessaly Plain.
help Beqaa Valley FAQ
Where is the Beqaa Valley in relation to Beirut?
The valley lies east of Beirut beyond the Mount Lebanon range. It runs between Mount Lebanon to the west and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains along Lebanon's eastern side.
Which important rivers begin in the Beqaa Valley?
The Litani River rises in the valley and flows entirely within Lebanon before reaching the Mediterranean. The Orontes also rises in the northern Beqaa before continuing through Syria and Turkey.
Why is the Beqaa Valley important for Lebanese agriculture?
Its broad floor and fertile soils support cereals, potatoes, fruit, vegetables, and vineyards. The area around Zahle is especially associated with Lebanese wine production.
What ancient site is located in the Beqaa Valley?
Baalbek, known for its monumental Roman temple complex, stands in the northern Beqaa. Its Temple of Bacchus and surviving columns of the Temple of Jupiter make it one of Lebanon's best-known archaeological sites.
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