Marjeyoun ("Meadow of Springs"), a town in southern Lebanon, boasts a history stretching back millennia, deeply intertwined with the fertile plain it overlooks and the nearby Litani River. Evidence suggests human settlement in the Marjeyoun Plain dates to prehistoric times, drawn by the agricultural potential of the land irrigated by the Litani. Under Roman rule, the region flourished, likely serving as an agricultural breadbasket. Later, during the Byzantine era, Marjeyoun remained significant, strategically located on ancient trade routes. Ancient Roots: Dating back to ancient times, it was known as "Maris" or "Marisa" during the Phoenician and Roman periods, thriving due to its position on vital trade routes. Agriculture, particularly olive oil and wine production, characterized its early economy. ​ Medieval and Ottoman Eras: With the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, Marjeyoun became part of the Islamic Caliphate, witnessing the spread of Islamic culture. During the Crusader period (12th-13th centuries), it gained strategic importance, fortified by a Crusader castle (sometimes called "Castle of the Lion"). It played a role in the 1179 Battle of Marj Ayyun, where the Crusaders were defeated. Marjeyoun then fell under Ottoman rule in the 16th century, remaining so until the early 20th century. 20th and 21st Centuries: The 20th century brought significant upheaval. During World War I, it saw battles between Ottoman and Allied forces. After the war, it became part of the French Mandate of Lebanon. A major event was the Battle of Merdjayoun in 1941 during World War II, where British Commonwealth and Australian forces recaptured the town from Vichy French control. ​ Marjeyoun was heavily impacted by the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), experiencing displacement and hardship. Following the 1982 Lebanon War, it served as the headquarters for the South Lebanon Army (SLA), an Israeli-backed militia. After Israel's withdrawal in 2000, many residents fled fearing accusations of collaboration. ​More recently, Marjeyoun was a focal point during the 2006 Lebanon War. On August 11, 2006, a convoy of civilians and security forces fleeing Marjeyoun was attacked by the Israeli Air Force, resulting in casualties and drawing international attention. The region continues to be an area of geopolitical sensitivity. ​Despite its tumultuous past, Marjeyoun has preserved aspects of its cultural heritage, including historic churches, traditional Lebanese architecture, and its agricultural traditions of olive oil and wine production. Source: Gemini AI