The antiquity of Beirut is indicated by its name, derived from the Canaanite name of Beʾerōt (Wells), referring to the underground water table that is still tapped by the local inhabitants for general use. Although the city is mentioned in Egyptian records of the 2nd millennium BCE, it did not gain prominence until it was granted the status of a Roman colony, the Colonia Julia Augusta Felix Berytus, in 14 BCE.
Learn More!Today, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said Friday there are two possible causes of Tuesday’s explosion that killed nearly 150 people either negligence or external intervention by a missile or bomb.He also rejected the United Nations human rights commission call for an international investigation.It's believed that the blast occurred when a fire ignited 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate stored at the port.The cause of the initial fire is unknown.Aoun said Friday that he asked France for satellite images to see if there were warplanes or missiles in the air at the time of the blast.This differs from the main narrative of recent days, which focused on investigating Lebanese port and customs officials for negligence.Also Friday, Lebanon’s state news agency said investigative Judge Ghassan Khoury placed chief of the customs department Badri Daher under arrest.Daher said he warned officials about the ammonium nitrate numerous times over the years.
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