Why were many Greek objects found in the soil of Lebanon? Why were there Lebanese citizens buried in tombs with Greek sculptures? Was Lebanon a Greek occupation or was it a Hellenic vacation spot?! When Darius perceived Alexander's fierce attack, he turned his chariot around and was the first to flee, abandoning all his soldiers and possessions to Alexander's capture. After Darius' defeat against Alexander at Gaugamela, the Persian Empire, which included Lebanon, Iran, Armenia, Syria, Israel, Turkey, etc., no longer existed. The gates of Phoenicia were open to the victorious Greeks. Tired of Persian oppression, the Phoenician cities welcomed the Hellenic king where only Tire resisted but was finally taken by storm after a long siege. Phoenicia, after the untimely death of Alexander, came under the rule of the Seleucids where the monarchy was eradicated and the cities were governed by high officials with Greek names. Were the Lebanese forced to adopt a Greek way of life or did the Cedar Nation willingly accept this new culture? Alexander pursued deliberate policies of Hellenization. While this may have been an intentional attempt to spread Greek culture, it is more likely that it was a realistic series of events intended to help him rule his colossal empire. Alexander founded cities across the empire which were intended to serve as administrative headquarters in the regions and settled by Greeks many of whom were veterans of Alexander's campaigns. This policy allowed Alexander to take control of his new subjects while extending Greek influence over the empire. He also attempted to unify the ruling classes through marriage bonds where people in positions of power from all classes were used. After Alexander...... middle of paper ...... perhaps he preferred foreign culture to his own? There is no doubt that Lebanon was once under Hellenistic influence and its citizens adopted the Hellenic way of life either by choice or by force; probably both! This cultural shift is reflected in most of the artifacts found in the country. Phenicia was greatly changed by its contribution to Greek culture and the fusion of the two cultures had an explosive end result. Whether Alexander wanted to propagate Greek culture or simply control his new subjects, he helped shape the foundations of the Phoenician country of Lebanon. Knowing this and knowing the Lebanon of today, one cannot help but wonder if this mixture of cultures had not happened, if the Lebanon of today would be the same, a better version and much most advanced of the Cedar nation, or if things would have gone wrong. terrible path ?!