historically
been defined by these mountains, which provided protection for the local
population. In Lebanon the changes in scenery are not connected to geographical
distances, but to altitudes. The mountains were known for their oak and pine
forests. In the high slopes of Mount Lebanon are the last remaining groves of
the famous Cedars of Lebanon (Cedrus libani). The Phoenicians used the
forests from Mount Lebanon to build their ship fleet and to trade with their
Levantine neighbors. The Phoenicians and successor rulers consistently
replanted and restocked the range so that even as late as the 16th century, its
forested area was considerable. The name Mount Lebanon traces back to
the Semitic root lbn, meaning "white", likely a reference to
the snow-covered mountains.
