Lebanon, officially known as the Lebanese Republic, is a sovereign state in Western Asia. It is bordered by Syria to the north and east and Israel to the south, while Cyprus is west across the Mediterranean Sea. Lebanon's location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Basin and the Arabian hinterland facilitated its rich history and shaped a cultural identity of religious and ethnic diversity. At just 10,452 km (4,036 sq. mi.), it is the smallest recognized country on the entire mainland Asian continent. 

The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than seven thousand years, predating recorded history. Lebanon was the home of the Canaanites/Phoenicians and their kingdoms, a maritime culture that flourished for over a thousand years (c. 1550–539 BC). In 64 BC, the region came under the rule of the Roman Empire, and eventually became one of the Empire's leading centers of Christianity. In the Mount Lebanon range a monastic tradition known as the Maronite Church was established. As the Arab Muslims conquered the region, the Maronites held onto their religion and identity. However, a new religious group, the Druze, established themselves in Mount Lebanon as well, generating a religious divide that has lasted for centuries. During the Crusades, the Maronites re-established contact with the Roman Catholic Church and asserted their communion with Rome. The ties they established with the Latins have influenced the region into the modern era.
About how long ago was the first civilization in Lebanon?
Was this before recorded history?
Was it a land based culture?
Who lived there?
Were they there a long time?
Approximately how long?
Who took over after that?
Was it a Jewish state then?
What tradition was established there?
What was it called?
Was this in the mountains?
Were the Maronites forced to change their beliefs when the Muslims came in?
What other group came to prominence at that time?
Did they get along well?
What happened with the Maronites during the Crusades?
Are those influences still felt today?
Is Lebanon a sovereign state?
Name a country that borders it/
What country is Lebanon north of?
Is it one of the larger countries in Asia?
seven thousand years
The earliest evidence of civilization in Lebanon dates back more than seven thousand years
yes
predating recorded history
no
a maritime culture
the Canaanites/Phoenicians
Lebanon was the home of the Canaanites/Phoenicians
yes
flourished for over a thousand years
over a thousand years
that flourished for over a thousand years
the Roman Empire
In 64 BC, the region came under the rule of the Roman Empire
no
leading centers of Christianity
a monastic tradition
a monastic tradition
the Maronite Church
a monastic tradition known as the Maronite Church
yes
In the Mount Lebanon range
no
the Maronites held onto their religion
the Druze
a new religious group, the Druze
no
generating a religious divide that has lasted for centuries
they re-established contact with the Roman Catholic Church
During the Crusades, the Maronites re-established contact with the Roman Catholic Church
yes
have influenced the region into the modern era
yes
Lebanese Republic, is a sovereign state
Syria
It is bordered by Syria
Israel
 Israel to the south
no
 it is the smallest recognized country on the entire mainland Asian continent