The first part of this thesis consists of a detailed analysis of
more than sixty reconstructed architectural sections taken through
different parts of the city. The results of this analysis yielded
a sequence of archaeological periods KI to KIV, JI to JII covering
the whole of the third mill. BC. Period L which represents the
first occupational levels encountered in the sections, falls outside
the scope of this study because it antedates the third mill. which is
the subject of this dissertation. Periods KI to KIV form a series
of homogeneous cultures which develop along similar lines. At the
end of period KIV, a destruction befell the city and a new vigorous
culture represented by two architectural stages JI/JII appears.
The end of these periods coincided with a destruction which ushered in
the beginning of a new era represented by periods H which cover the
1st half of the 2nd mill. BC.
The second part of the thesis is a study of the cultural links of
Byblos during periods KI to KIV and JI/JII. Period KI is securely
tied to the reigns of Djet/Den of the 1st Egyptian Dyn. and to the
latter part of EBI Palestine. Egyptian influence is paramount
during periods KIII/KIV which are contemporary to the IIIrd,, IVth,
Vth and VIth Egyptian Dynasties and to EBIII Palestine.
Subsequent to the destruction of KIV, Byblos JI/JII representing
the last two centures of the 3rd mill. BC., was under the cultural
impact of the north. The main aspects of the new culture are the
megaron style temples and the painted pottery. Signs of destruction and great disturbances appear all over the site at the end of Byblos
JII. It is the beginning of periods H which introduced the worship
in hypaethral temples accompanied by rich votive gifts. These
periods fall outside the scope of this study because they post date
the 3rd mill. BC
