3000 BCE - 64 CE

It is assumed that the region of Lebanon has been inhabited for more than 200,000 years.

3000 to 2500 BCE - First traces of settlements of the Phoenicians. Whether these immigrated, or were the native population of the Lebanese coast, isn't clear. The Phoenicians were traders, involved in international trade between the Middle Eastern hinterland, and countries around the Mediterranean. They were also transmitters of culture, new inventions, alphabet, money and more.

The Phoenicians had their origin in Babylonia. They did not establish larger kingdoms, but limited their states to single cities that accepted compromises with stronger neighbours, and paying for peace and freedom so that they had freedom to trade.

2000 BCE - Invasion by the Amorites, coming from the east.

1800 BCE - City states of Phoenicia become vassals under Egypt.

1100 BCE - Egypt loses its control over Phoenicia, and independence is regained. Tyre grows into the strongest of the city states, casting shadows over rival city Sidon.

867 BCE - Phoenicia is subjugated by Assyria.

612 BCE - Freedom form Assyria is regained.

590s BCE - Nebuchadnezzar II of Babylonia conquers all Phoenicia, except Tyre.

539 BCE - Phoenicia is conquered by Persia, and major economical growth begins.

333 BCE - Phoenicia is conquered by Alexander. The siege of Tyre begins.

332 BCE - After 7 month of siege, Tyre gives in, and 2,000 men are crucified, while 30,000 are sold as prisoners. Phoenicia plays a far less prominent role in trade following the conquest of Alexander, and the culture gets heavily influenced by Hellenistic culture.

64 CE - Lebanon is conquered by Rome, and governed as part of Syria. Beirut grows into becoming the most important city, and Aramaic replaces Phoenician language.