If the term "monumental" was ever to be justified for ancient buildings, it is for the Roman temples at Baalbek. At least two centuries of more or less continuous building activity have created a monument unique in size and spatial conception.

Monumentality was an early invention at Baalbek, but the giant sanctuary was modified several times, and each of the four major planning phases has its own grand architectural concept. The planners introduced new ideas, following changes in the requirements of the pilgrims and priests practicing their cult within these walls, but also changing the setting for the urban development in Baalbek by modifying its "core".

Architectural and archaeological research, survey and analysis in the  Jupiter sanctuary since 2005 have provided surprising new information about the genesis of this monument.

The lecture will give an overview of the recent work, and the results from anarchitectural point of view.