The morphological characteristics of the old Lebanese churches in Koura, Batroun and Byblos from the 8th century to the 13th century

Abstract

Taking into consideration the increasing need to define the chronology of the churches based on their architectural elements. This paper primarily aims to develop a wider understanding of ecclesiastical characteristics; this is exactly why an indispensable analysis was carried out to understand these architectural features and to make them easily recognizable. Furthermore, this research is an attempt to monitor how the different morphological characteristics of churches affect the general chronology. For the study of the churches, the methodology of investigation of the architectural elements was used. This tool of investigation has been applied to the direct analysis of morphological evidence for a better understanding and to clarify its relationship with the chronology. This study relates to ecclesiastical temples from the 8th century to the 13th century in Koura, Batroun and Byblos. Unfortunately, there are no remaining churches before the 8th century, especially after the great earthquake that struck Lebanon in 551 AD. The Crusader period takes place from the end of the eleventh century to the end of the thirteenth century (between 1095 and 1291 AD). In the 13th century, the Fourth Crusade left behind a series of important churches that had a great impact on the architecture of Lebanon.