Crusader Castle, Byblos: Overall view, castle and surrounding groves

Byblos (the ancient Greek name; modern name is Jubayl) is believed by many to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Under the name of Gibelet or Giblet, it was an important military base in the crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem in the 11th and 12th century, and the remains of its crusader castle are among the most impressive architectural structures now visible at its center. The town was taken by Saladin in 1187, re-taken by the Crusaders, and eventually conquered by Baybars I in 1266. Its fortifications were subsequently restored. From 1516 until 1918, the town and the whole region were part of the Ottoman Empire.