Kharayeb

Kharayeb () is a historic town in the Sidon District in the South Governorate, Lebanon. The town is  south of Beirut. It is at an altitude of   above sea level. The town has a long history.  Archaeological excavations  show a complex settlement history spanning from Prehistory to the Ottoman period. Notably, Kharayeb's origins can be traced back to the Persian period (539–330 BC). At that time, it had  it had an important role. Its  Phoenician temple a was constructed round the 6th century BC.

There were around 9,000 residents in 2006 and the population is predominantly Shia. 

 History 
Archaeological excavation in Kharayeb and its vicinity has revealed a complex settlement landscape spanning various chronological periods, from the Prehistoric to the Ottoman era (1516–1918). The Kharayeb region had been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic. Many  flint tools from that perioud have been found. The earliest signs of agricultural use in historical periods comes from the site of Jemjim near Kharayeb. A  stele from the Late Iron Age was discovered there. A settlement with a system of  cisterns dating to the Iron Age, and remains of terracotta vessels indicating occupation dating back to the second millennium BC have also been found.

During the Persian period (539–330 BC), Phoenicia flourished economically. The population in the cities on the coast grew. These populations needed to be sustained; this meant that resources needed to be used in better ways in their respective territories. The Persian policy aimed at promoting intensive agriculture within irrigated areas further supported this development. The subsistence of Tyre was ensured by the establishment of ancient rural agricultural centers, extending from the coast to southern Palestine. These rural areas, especially those situated near rivers, played a important role in Tyre's economy; a number  of planned settlements were built. This is the context that allowed the town of Kharayeb to grow. The construction of its Phoenician temple was begun around the 6th century BC.
The modern town of Kharayeb dates back to the mid-19th century when it and its surroundings were owned by Nasif Al-Asaad, a resident of Zrarieh. 

 Geography 
Kharayeb is in the Sidon District of the South Governorate. It is  south of the capital Beirut, north of the Leontes River. It spans an area of  and stands at an average altitude of  above sea level. It is bordered to the north by the towns of Adloun and Kouthariyet Al-Riz. To the east, it is bordered by the towns of Arzai and Zrarieh, while the Leontes traces its southern boundary. The Mediterranean Sea lies to its west.

 Cultural landmarks 
The town is famed for its Phoenician temple, and many  votive terracotta figurines, that helped shed light on the cultural and religious practices of the local Phoenician rural population during the Late Iron Age, Persian, and Hellenistic periods.

 References 

Category:Cities in Lebanon