Sidon, located 48 km south of Beirut, is the third largest city in Lebanon. The city and seaport, southwestern Lebanon, on the Mediterranean Sea. It was one of the most famous cities of the ancient world. However, today it is one of the least well known. Because, its archaeological relics have either been stolen and scattered or covered over by modern construction. For at least as early as 4000 BCE and possibly going back to 6000 BCE, there is evidence of human settlement. In ancient times it was a city of Phoenicia, famous for its wine and purple dyes.

Sidon was abandoned during the Middle Bronze Age and only repopulated during the Late Bronze Age as archaeological evidence indicates. Like other Phoenician costal cities, Sidon was frequently targeted by larger regional powers for both its trade wealth and its strategic location. It fell under the influence of Egyptian rulers starting in 1450 BCE, then under Assyrian domination around 900 BCE. After 539 BCE Persians had control of the region.

Sidon is a center for the export of olive oil, oranges, and lemons and also for the cultivation of silk, tobacco, and figs. There are numerous rock-cut burial places of the ancient Phoenicians, in which have been found the sarcophagi of Eshmunazar, king of Assyria, and others in the surrounding area.