Lebanon is a small country located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It has a rich history going back thousands of years and a diverse cultural heritage influenced by many civilizations that have controlled its lands, including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders, Ottomans, and French. Lebanon has also faced much turmoil in recent decades due to war and instability. However, the Lebanese people have shown great resilience.
Geography
Lebanon is bounded on the north and east by Syria, on the south by Israel, and on the west by the Mediterranean Sea. The country has four main geographical regions running broadly north-to-south along its length. These are the narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean shore, the Lebanon Mountains range that runs parallel to the coast, the fertile Bekaa Valley situated between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges, and the Anti-Lebanon mountains range that forms the border with Syria.
Here are some riddles about Lebanon’s geography to test your knowledge:
Riddle 1
I am a tall mountain range that runs along the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon. What am I?
Answer:
The Lebanon Mountains
Riddle 2
I am a valley nestled between two mountain ranges where most of Lebanon’s agriculture takes place. What am I?
Answer:
The Bekaa Valley
Riddle 3
I form the border between Lebanon and Syria. Hikers love my scenic peaks and valleys. What mountain range am I?
Answer:
The Anti-Lebanon Mountains
History
Lebanon has a long and rich history. It was part of the ancient Canaanite civilization and later came under the control of the Phoenicians, who established city-states along the Mediterranean coast. These cities, especially Tyre and Sidon, became wealthy trading centers due to the celebrated seafaring and merchandising skills of the Phoenicians.
After Alexander the Great conquered the land in the 4th century BCE, Greek influence increased. Following Alexander’s death, Lebanon was ruled by a succession of Hellenistic kingdoms, eventually coming under control of the Roman Empire from 64 BCE onwards after the Romans took over from the Greeks.
Many more rulers controlled Lebanon over the centuries. The Arabs brought Islam to the region in the 7th century. Later, it was ruled for a time by the Crusaders. Then the Ottoman Empire added Lebanon to their vast realm that lasted from the 16th century until the end of World War I when the French took control, establishing the borders of the present-day Republic of Lebanon.
Lebanon finally achieved independence in 1943. But in subsequent decades, it has endured intermittent periods of political turmoil, unrest and outright civil war.
Here are some riddles about key aspects and eras of Lebanese history:
Riddle 4
We were an ancient civilization of talented seafarers based in Lebanese cities like Tyre, Sidon and Byblos. Our trade networks and colonies spread around the Mediterranean. Who are we?
Answer:
The Phoenicians
Riddle 5
I am a conqueror who took over Lebanon in the 4th century BCE, bringing Greek influence to the region. My vast empire stretched from Greece to India. Who am I?
Answer:
Alexander the Great
Riddle 6
We are a group of medieval European nobles and kings who invaded and ruled Jerusalem and Lebanon for a time during the Crusades. Who are we?
Answer:
The Crusaders
Riddle 7
I was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled over Lebanon for centuries. My capital city was the famed Constantinople, now called Istanbul. What empire was I?
Answer:
The Ottoman Empire
Religion
Lebanon has a diversity of faiths living in the same small country. Islam is the most widely followed religion today. There is also a large Christian population with various denominations, as well as the Druze faith that originated in Egypt. Many of the world’s major religions have followers and holy sites located in Lebanon.
Here are some riddles about Lebanese religions:
Riddle 8
We are a monotheistic Abrahamic faith founded in Egypt that later became concentrated in Lebanon. We have principles from Islam and principles from other philosophies. Adherents keep our core beliefs and practices secret from non-members. What religion are we?
Answer:
The Druze faith
Riddle 9
I am Lebanon’s largest Christian denomination, one of the Eastern Rite Catholic Churches in communion with Rome. My patriarch is based at Bkerké north of Beirut. Who am I?
Answer:
The Maronite Church
Riddle 10
I am a Muslim branch centered in Lebanon as a result of a schism over succession early in Islam’s history. My followers broke away from the Sunnis and have distinct beliefs and practices. What branch of Islam am I?
Answer:
The Shi’a or Shi’ite Muslims
Culture
Lebanon prides itself on a rich cultural heritage with influences absorbed from many civilizations over thousands of years. This is reflected in its world-famous cuisine, architectural wonders, hospitality, art and more.
Here are some riddles to identify key aspects of Lebanese culture:
Riddle 11
I am Lebanon’s signature hearty peasant dish of grains, meat and vegetables slow-cooked to perfection in one pot. What flavorful dish am I?
Answer:
Kibbeh
Riddle 12
We are Lebanon’s famed ancient Roman temple ruins, one of the best examples of Roman architecture, with monumental columns still standing tall along the Beirut coastline. What ruined temple are we?
Answer:
Baalbek
Riddle 13
I am a traditional floor-laid Levantine cheese common in Lebanese mezze and sandwiches. My salty and tangy flavor pairs perfectly with tomatoes, olives, za’atar and olive oil. What popular cheese am I?
Answer:
Halloumi
Cities
Lebanon has many unique and historic cities along its small stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Each city has distinctive architecture, food specialties, historical sites and more for visitors to discover.
Here are some riddles to guess key Lebanese cities:
Riddle 14
I am Lebanon’s capital and largest city located on the Mediterranean coast. My defining landmark is the rocky Pigeon Rocks just off my seaside Raouché neighborhood. What bustling city am I?
Answer:
Beirut
Riddle 15
I am an ancient port city in southern Lebanon world-famous as the origin of the celebrated Phoenician civilization. My old town is a UNESCO heritage site with ruins of Phoenician temples and buildings. What historic coastal city am I?
Answer:
Tyre
Riddle 16
I am Lebanon’s second largest city found in the north along the Mediterranean coast. Until the civil war, I attracted high society Lebanese who built luxurious villas here. What seaside city with history stretching back thousands of years am I?
Answer:
Tripoli
Landmarks
In this tiny country packed with history, nature has also created amazing landscapes. Lebanon has incredible natural scenery across its varied geography from coast to mountains. The cedar tree, Lebanon’s national symbol seen on the flag, represents steadfastness and perseverance to the Lebanese people.
Here are riddles about key Lebanese natural landmarks:
Riddle 17
I am Lebanon’s most famous gorge with steep limestone cliffs dotted by ancient cave dwellings along the Nahr al-Kalb river leading to a dramatic narrow split. What am I called?
Answer:
Jeita Grotto
Riddle 18
We are the fabled tall evergreen conifers that have graced Lebanese mountains for millennia but are now endangered. The Lebanese people identify with our strength and longevity. What type of tree are we?
Answer:
Cedar trees
Riddle 19
I am Lebanon’s tallest mountain peak that towers over the Bekaa Valley. My limestone massif has scenic views from my snowy summit in winter and spring. What peak am I?
Answer:
Mount Lebanon
Food
Lebanese cuisine is considered among the world’s finest. It elegantly combines fresh ingredients, complex layers of spice and flavor unique to the region while also absorbing external cultural influences over the centuries. Mezze small plates reflect the culture of generosity in sharing.
Here are some tasty riddles about iconic Lebanese foods and drinks:
Riddle 20
I am the Lebanese national alcoholic drink, a strong liquor distilled from grapes and aniseed with a clear color and licorice taste. What storied beverage am I?
Answer:
Arak
Riddle 21
I am the quintessential Levantine dip made from sesame paste, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil eaten with pita bread. My nutty taste and texture pairs perfectly with mezze. What delicious dip am I?
Answer:
Hummus
Riddle 22
We are colorful Lebanese sweets, chewy dough balls flavored with rosewater or orange blossom water then topped with ground pistachios. What are we called?
Answer:
Maamoul
People
The Lebanese people have a storied reputation for resilience, entrepreneurship and creativity nurtured by their diverse ethnic and religious mix. Many influential philosophers, artists, musicians and writers trace their roots to Lebanon.
Here are some riddles about notable Lebanese people:
Riddle 23
I was a lyrical Lebanese poet and philosopher of the 12th century during the Islamic Golden Age whose writings and wisdom still inspire today. I sought enlightenment through my relationship with the divine. Who am I?
Answer:
Kahlil Gibran
Riddle 24
I am the world famous Lebanese-American poet, writer and visual artist who penned the hugely inspiring book “The Prophet” in 1923 that remains popular globally. Who am I?
Answer:
Kahlil Gibran
Riddle 25
I am a glamorous Oscar-winning actress born in Lebanon who became an international star in the 1960s with films like “Doctor Zhivago” and “Funny Girl”. What actress am I?
Answer:
Liza Minnelli
Language
Lebanon’s small geographic size and history of foreign conquests have resulted in multilingualism today. Many Lebanese are conversant in three languages – Lebanese Arabic (vernacular), Modern Standard Arabic (written) and French or English. Recently the tricky Lebanese dialect is fascinating linguists as a unique derivation of Levantine Arabic idioms.
Here are some language riddles about Lebanon:
Riddle 26
I am a Semitic language spoken natively by most Lebanese across all religions and regions in their homes and informal settings. What living Lebanese dialect language am I?
Answer:
Lebanese Arabic
Riddle 27
We are the intricate Arabic alphabet letters used to write Lebanese, also shared by many other languages like Farsi and Urdu. We have curvy shapes and some distinct marks not found in the Latin alphabet. What written script are we?
Answer:
The Arabic alphabet
Riddle 28
I am a European language spoken fluently by many Lebanese people today as a result of Lebanon’s more recent history under my country’s administration. What second language am I?
Answer:
French
Education
Lebanon has a long tradition as a center of intellectual learning in the Middle East. While local university options are substantial today, many Lebanese students also study abroad. The trilingual language skills and cultural agility makes Lebanese people adept at thriving in global education systems and careers.
Here are some education-themed riddles about Lebanon:
Riddle 29
I am Lebanon’s top university, a prestigious 150 year old American-style institution with demanding entrance exams. Many regional leaders graduated from my schools of arts, sciences, engineering, medicine and business. What renowned Beirut university am I?
Answer:
American University of Beirut (AUB)
Riddle 30
I am Lebanon’s national public university outside Beirut known for my sprawling green campus dotted with modernist buildings. I am named for an influential philosopher who sought wisdom and enlightenment. What leading university am I?
Answer:
Lebanese University
Riddle 31
We are a French-English bilingual curriculum taught at private schools attended by Lebanon’s elite as well as diplomats’ children and expatriates. Graduates can enter top global universities and easily work abroad. What specialized Lebanese curriculum are we?
Answer:
The Lebanese Baccalaureate program
Government
Following independence from France in 1943, Lebanon has endured a rocky political trajectory trying to balance power among the diverse religious confessions. Its foundations as a parliamentary democratic republic remain but instability has undermined effective governance, especially the 15-year civil war ending in 1990. Rebuilding strong national civic institutions is an ongoing challenge.
Here are some riddles about Lebanon’s government:
Riddle 32
I am the elaborate Lebanese power-sharing agreement that specifies the fixed proportion of parliamentary and cabinet seats allocated to the major religions including Maronite Christians, Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims. What pact am I?
Answer:
The National Pact of 1943
Riddle 33
I am the tall Beirut landmark bearing resemblance to a grain silo, heavily damaged in the 2020 port explosion. I symbolized the civil war era divisions between Christians and Muslims. What iconic structure am I?
Answer:
The Murr Tower
Riddle 34
I am the paramilitary and political party considered a terrorist group by many countries, but also holds elected parliamentary seats in Lebanon today through alliances. My supporters rally under a distinct yellow flag. Who am I?
Answer:
Hezbollah
Conclusion
This collection of 35 riddles offers some glimpses into key aspects of Lebanon’s long, complex and captivating history – from its resilient people to scenery, cities, food and struggles. There is always much more to discover about Lebanon’s rich culture, landscapes and contradictions. Its welcoming and innovative people have persevered through adversity by focusing on the day-to-day joys of family, food, music and celebrations.
There is still hope that Lebanon’s best days may still lie ahead if unity and effective governance can overcome the mistakes of the past. The Lebanese people desire to proudly showcase their famous hospitality, culture and cuisine to the world for generations to come when stability allows. Their culture remains defined by generosity even if political consensus is elusive. These riddles provide just a small sample of all that Lebanon has to offer visitors with its incredible history still on display everywhere and energetic people always ready to welcome strangers as friends.
