The guardians of Menjez's past – The megaliths of Lebanon revealed

First screening during the Francophonie Week in Bern, Switzerland, on March 18, 2025

Lebanon, rich in archaeological remains, hosts the "MEG-A" project co-directed by Dr. Tara Steimer from the University of Geneva. Focused on the impressive megalithic tombs of northern Lebanon in the Menjez region, the project explores the origins of the builders, their emergence in the 4th/3rd millennium BCE, and the role of sponsors in the formation of Levantine city-states.

 

The documentary project "Guardians of Menjez's Past" delves into this archaeological adventure, capturing passionate scientists exploring these mysterious megaliths. The inhabitants of Menjez play a key role, sharing their vision of the site and contributing to the preservation of heritage.

The ongoing scientific project goes beyond archaeology, embodying a local effort to preserve these necropolises and promote tourism around these precious relics of the past.


This film was supported by the General Fund of the University of Geneva, the Laboratory of Prehistoric Archaeology and Anthropology of the Faculty of Science at the University of Geneva, the Swiss National Science Foundation, the Directorate General of Antiquities of Lebanon, as well as the Embassy of Switzerland in Lebanon and Syria.