The Temple of Eshmun is an ancient place of worship dedicated to Eshmun, the Phoenician god of healing. It is located near the Awali river, 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) northeast of Sidon in southwestern Lebanon. The site was occupied from the 7th century BC to the 8th century AD, suggesting an integrated relationship with the nearby city of Sidon. Although originally constructed by Sidonian king Eshmunazar II in the Achaemenid era to celebrate the city's recovered wealth and stature, the temple complex was greatly expanded by Bodashtart, Yatonmilk and later monarchs. Because the continued expansion spanned many centuries of alternating independence and foreign hegemony, the sanctuary features a wealth of different architectural and decorative styles and influences.
Throne of Astarte at the Eshmun Temple
The ashlar podium at the Eshmun temple, Bustan esh-Sheikh (near Sidon)
Three of the Bodashtart inscriptions from the temple's podium, now on display in the Louvre
Bull head protome in the National Museum of Beirut
Eshmun was a Phoenician god of healing and the tutelary god of Sidon.
Ruins of the 7th century BC Phoenician Temple of Eshmun in Sidon