The important maritime cities of Tyre and Sidon together with the Phoenician archaeological site of Echmoun make a rewarding day excursion from Beirut. Tyre was one of the great trading entrepots of early antiquity. Legend tells us that the Tyrians under Princess Dido sailed from here to Tunisia to found the colony of Carthage. The town’s fortunes were a product of trade, and in particular, the sale of a purple dye made from the murex shell – a colour called Tyrian purple. The city is now noted for its wonderful UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman ruins. These are the harbour and an inland site that contains the city’s necropolis and the best preserved hippodrome in the world. To on the north, Sidon was another of the great Phoenician cities. Its sailors were once renowned throughout the ancient world for their prowess. Today the city is noted for its wonderful maze-like medieval covered souqs – a highlight of any visit to Lebanon. However, for many, it is the picturesque Sea Castle that captures the eye’s attention. Built by the Crusaders in 1228 on an island lying 80 metres offshore from the port, the Sea Castle is connected to the land by a narrow causeway. It comprises of two towers linked by a curtain wall. On the outskirts of Sidon, amidst groves of citrus orchards is the site of ancient Echmoun. The complex is much ruined and requires a high level of imagination to appreciate, but it is important as it the only Phoenician site retaining more than its foundation walls. One of the most visible attractions is the Throne of Astarte: a large rock hewn chair flanked by two sphinxes