Ras Baalbek
# Ras Baalbek

Ras Baalbek (Arabic: رأس بعلبك) is a village in the northern Beqaa Valley in Lebanon.

## History

Ras Baalbek is 500 metres west of a Neolithic rock shelter called Ras Baalbek I.

To the east there are ruins that are alleged to be the remains of a Roman aqueduct. Inhabitants of the village have confirmed it was once called "Connaya," suggesting a link to the ancient settlement of Conna, mentioned in the work of Antonius. Notable features include the monastery of "Our Lady of Ras Baalbek" (Deir Saidat ar-Ras) and two Byzantine churches. One church is in the centre of the village and the other lies by the Roman aqueduct.

In 1838, Eli Smith noted Ras Baalbek's population as being predominantly Catholic Christian.

In 2014, the war with ISIS in the nearby village of Arsal resulted in the residents of Ras Baalbek forming a militia to protect the village. The militias were allied to the Lebanese Armed Forces. In September 2016 the Lebanese Army attacked Islamic State positions near Ras Baalbek.

## Demographics

Around 15,000 people live in Ras Baalbek. The population is entirely Christian, mainly Greek Catholic, having switched from Greek Orthodoxy in 1721.

The village is fashion designer Zuhair Murad's hometown.

