Nahr al-Kalb is the ancient Lycus River, also referred to in ancient times as Eleutherus. A 14th century BC treaty, concluded by Ramses II, set the Nahr al-Kalb as the border between Egypt and the possessions of the Hittites. Past generals and conquerors have traditionally built monuments at the mouth of the Nahr al-Kalb. Ramses II, Nebuchadnezzar, Esarhaddon,Marcus Aurelius, and even armies from modern-day France and Great Britain have engaged in this practice. In 1946, a monument was erected in celebration of Lebanon’s independence, which came in 1943. In 2000, Lebanese demonstrators, including supporters of ex-general and current politician Michel Aoun, unsuccessfully attempted to erect two new monuments, one marking the departure of Israeli troops from Lebanon, and the other anticipating the withdrawal of Syrian forces. In 2005, a commemorative stela at the river was listed in the UNESCOMemory of the World initiative.
