Rescue excavations were carried out in Beirut during reconstruction of the city centre. Archaeological research, started in October 1993 and lasted forty-four months. Part of the ancient city was brought to light. Settlements date from the Iron Age III . Inhabitation of the ancient city started from the 5th or 6th century BC down to the Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods. The archaeological remnants connect Beirut and Lebanon with the Hellenistic civilization, they also connect the Mediterranean with Asia.