BYBLOS (JBAYL)   Some Historical Facts ... Jbayl (Byblos - 38 kms. far from Beirut) (The word "Byblos" is believed to be derived from the word "Bible") is one of the oldest cities in the world. The god "El", whom the Greeks identified with "Chronos", was said to have lived there from the beginning of time. Byblos monuments dating back to the year 3200 B.C. are considered to be the earliest stone constructions in the Orient. As early as the year 4000 B.C. Byblos was the great commercial and religious center of the Syrian coast, dwarfing the two great Phoenician cities of Sidon and Tyre. From here the Egyptians carried away Lebanese timber used in their gigantic structures, and copper, that was brought by caravans from the Caucasus. Like all Phoenician cities, Byblos witnessed the passing of the Hyksos, the Shephered King, in the 18th century B.C., people of the Sea, in the 12th century B.C., the kings of Assyria, the Persians under Cyrus the Greeks in the time of Alexander, Seleucides, Byzantines and Arabs. During Crusades, its advantageous position enabled it to regain some of its former prosperity, and its religious role increased in importance.