About the Mission
A Franco-Lebanese archaeological collaboration dedicated to research, preservation, excavation, and digital documentation in Central Bekaa.
The Central Bekaa Archaeological Mission investigates the history of settlement and occupation in one of Lebanon's most strategic regions, a corridor between Mesopotamia, the Levant, and Egypt. The mission focuses especially on the Anjar area, where rich natural resources, water systems, and fertile land encouraged human occupation from prehistory to the medieval period.
The project began with the DPM Bekaa phase in 2020 as a Franco-Lebanese collaboration between Ifpo, the Lebanese University, and Archeorient. After two years of survey and regional study, the team concentrated on the Anjar region because of the discovery of well-preserved archaeological sites and the urgent need to safeguard threatened cultural heritage.
In 2023, a new mission phase began under the Central Bekaa Archaeological Mission, bringing together Archeorient, Universite Lumiere Lyon 2, Ifpo, the Lebanese University, and the Directorate General of Antiquities. Fieldwork is centered on two major tells: Tell Deir Zanoun and Tell Salhiye/Shamssine.
The mission combines excavation, pedestrian and aerial survey, geophysical prospection, GIS, database management, photogrammetry, and material studies to better understand economy, landscape, spatial organization, and cultural interaction across the long duration of occupation in Central Bekaa.
Heritage Protection
Recording, studying, and safeguarding archaeological sites in danger, especially those threatened by construction and landscape change.
Regional Research
Investigating settlement dynamics, landscape history, and occupation patterns in Central Bekaa from prehistory to the medieval period.
Digital Documentation
Integrating excavation records, GIS, aerial survey, database systems, and digital recording to produce lasting archaeological documentation.
