SIDON (SAIDA) Some Historical Facts ... Sidon (45 kms. south of Beirut) is undoubtedly one of the most ancient Phoenician towns, and one of the oldest constantly inhabited cities of the world. Sidon came consecutively under Egyptian, Persian, Greek, Roman and Arab sovereignty. In 1111 A.D. the town surrendered to the Crusaders after a 47 days' siege but was recaptured by Saladin in 1182. At Sidon one may visit the "Castle of the Sea", a 13th century Crusader castle, built on an islet at the mouth of the North harbour. Inside the old town one may visit the Great Mosque which has replaced the church of St. John of the Hospitaliers, the Castle of St. Louis erected on the acropolis of ancient Sidon by the Crusaders, the Phoenician temple of Echmoun Historians differ on the origin of the word "Sidon". According to "Josephus" the great historian, it dates back to "Sidon", the eldest son of Canaan ; others believe it is derived from an old Semitic word "Said" meaning "hunt", because of the good fishing it once offered.