250 Pounds 1988, Lebanon
| in Krause book | Number: 67e |
| Years of issue: | 1988 |
| Edition: | |
| Signatures: | Hussein Kanaan, Edmond Naïm |
| Serie: | 1964 Issue |
| Specimen of: | 1978 |
| Material: | Cotton fiber |
| Size (mm): | 165 x 94 |
| Printer: | TDLR (Thomas de la Rue & Company), London |
* All pictures marked 
are increased partially by magnifying glass, the remaining open in full size by clicking on the image.
** The word "Specimen" is present only on some of electronic pictures, in accordance with banknote images publication rules of appropriate banks.
Description
Watermark:
Element of the architecture of the ancient ruins (Triumphal Arch complex), in Tyre - the image of the Sun God.
Avers:
The Triumphal Arch and the Roman road with the colonnade in Tire (Sur), Lebanon.
Sur or Tire is the fourth largest city in Lebanon and one of its largest seaports. The city is located 80 km. south of Beirut. Sur was founded in 2750 BC on the coast and two small islands. Under the reign of King Hiram in the tenth century BC. both islands were united. Starting from the IX century BC, when the Phoenicians came here, the city began to be called Tire. He was one of the most significant Mediterranean cities of Phenicia, from where the Phoenician troops were sent to sea trips, and became famous for the purple paint produced here. Purple was obtained from the pigment of rare mollusks. The paint was unique and very expensive, therefore it became a sign of wealth. In 332 BC. The army of Alexander the Great approached Tire. All the locals moved to the island part of the city, where they held the defense for 7 months. Then Alexander ordered to make a mound from the mainland to the island part of the city, after which Tire fell. Nowadays Sur is located on an artificial cape that goes into the sea.
The main historical sights of the city are concentrated in two archaeological zones: the western one - Ancient city, which in ancient times was located on the island, and the east - the region of El Bass, which was previously the mainland.
The area of El Bass covers the mainland of the ancient city. Most of the buildings here date back to the II-VI centuries AD. From the main entrance begins the Byzantine road, paved with limestone slabs. At the very beginning you will see the remains of a necropolis with marble sarcophagi decorated with bas-reliefs, a little further away - a Roman columbarium (a room for storing urns with the ashes of the deceased), a Byzantine chapel of the VI century AD. and a tomb with a preserved floor mosaic depicting Christian symbols.
The Byzantine road ends at a 20-meters three-span triumphal arch, which in Roman times adorned the entrance to the city. Behind the arch begins the Roman road, surrounded by a colonnade. The road is covered with limestone blocks, on which there are traces of chariots passing here in ancient times. Not far from here you can see the remains of an aqueduct and a large fountain.
South of the Roman road is the main attraction of the archaeological zone of El Bass - the Roman hippodrome. This is the biggest race track of ancient times: it had a length of 480 meters, a width of 160 meters, and accommodated 30 thousand spectators. The chariot races continued here for several days every 30 minutes. In the center of the hippodrome stands the church of the Crusaders, which was built on the site of the Byzantine church.
On the top, on right and left sides, above the arch are the elements of the architecture of the ancient ruins (Triumphal Arch complex), in Tyre - the ram's head.
Denominations in numerals are in top right and lower left corners. In words - centered, at the bottom.
Revers:
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Roman-Byzantine complex in Kfardebian, Faqra, Lebanon located in the mountains, at an altitude of about 1550 meters above sea level.
The sights are divided by the passing road. On one side are three Roman altars, all of different sizes. The first is a tiny one. The second is several times larger. The largest tower was about 15 meters high. To the right of the entrance and above the entrance there are inscriptions in Greek, informing about the restoration of the tower in 43 AD. by order of the Roman Emperor Claudius. In a large tower you can enter and climb the ancient staircases to the site, from which you can see a beautiful view of the amazing surrounding rocks, weathered by the wind. Towers can be inspected for free, there is no entrance ticket to them.
A little further, on the other side of the motorway there are two churches (the smaller of them is located to the south of the second and was later converted into a Christian church).
The temples are partially restored, but the larger of them still needs additional restoration works: its altar part lies in ruins, destroyed by earthquakes. In the Internet, there is information that a large temple was dedicated to Adonis, however, on-site employees by the Department of Antiquities, interviewed by us, reported that the temple was dedicated to Baal.
Faqra is not widely visited, because it is located away from the main tourist routes. However, the overwhelming majority of tourists consider it one of the most interesting tourist sites in Lebanon, not least because of its isolation from the turbulent modern life. In winter, snow falls in Faqra. Nearby is a popular ski resort and a natural stone "bridge".
On left side of banknote is the column of Roman-Byzantine complex in Kfardebian, Faqra, Lebanon.
Denominations in numerals are in top corners, in words - in lower left corner.
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