Tomb of King Abi Shemou

Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is a place we had visited before but never truly explored. The castle, the Phoenician ruins, and the deep layers of history had somehow always escaped our attention—until one day, in April 2023, curiosity got the best of us, and we decided it was finally time to dive into the heart of this ancient city.

It all began when we set out to uncover the secrets of the Byblos Crusader Castle. I had done some reading beforehand, scrolling through Wikipedia, learning a few facts here and there. But the more I read, the more I realized that what we needed wasn’t just information—we needed a real guide. Someone who could not only tell us about these historical sites but make us feel the weight of their stories. And as luck would have it, that’s exactly what we found.

We met Hyame, an official tour guide in Byblos, and from the moment she introduced herself, I knew this tour was going to be something special. Her name immediately struck me—it was the same as my mom’s. In that moment, it felt like a sign, a connection that made this exploration even more meaningful.

With Hyame leading the way, we ventured into the depths of the Crusader Castle, where centuries of history unfolded before us. She didn’t just recite facts—she breathed life into the stories. We could almost see the Crusaders building the fortress, feel the presence of the ancient Phoenicians who once walked these same grounds, and imagine the bustling city that existed long before our time. Every corner of the castle had a tale to tell, and Hyame was the perfect storyteller.

One of the most unforgettable parts of our journey was discovering the Tomb of King Abi Shemou. Walking down the dimly lit tunnel, we found ourselves in two chambers—one holding the sarcophagus of the great king himself, and the other belonging to his son. It was surreal, standing there surrounded by the echoes of a long-lost era. For a moment, we were no longer visitors in a museum; we were explorers uncovering an ancient mystery.

Byblos had always been a place we thought we knew. But thanks to Hyame, this visit transformed into something far more profound—a journey through time, guided by someone whose passion and knowledge made the history come alive in a way we never expected.

And so, our adventure in Byblos wasn’t just about ticking off landmarks on a list; it was about rediscovering the past, forging new connections, and leaving with a deeper appreciation for this timeless city.