THE LEBANON PAVILION SARCOPHAGUS OF KING AHIRAM An outstanding example of Phoenician sculpture of its period (circa 12th Cent. BC), the Sarcophagus of Ahiram is probably one of the world's greatest cultural treasures. A replica of the famous Sarcophagus is located in the base of the Pavilion's Tower in exactly the same position and surroundings in which it was discovered in 1922 in Byblos by the famous French archeologist Pierre Montet. The Sarcophagus is made of local limestone with a large cover of the same material. This cover is carved with two lions fully stretched out on the ground, on either side of which is a bearded male figure, fully clad. Around the edge, the cover is inscribed with the earliest Phoenician script to have ever been discovered to date. This inscription admonishes all and sundry, whether friendly Gibelites or foreign invaders, not to disturb Ahiram's burial, and lays manifold curses on whoever disturbs his deathly repose. This lettering pre-dates the world's first alphabet - the Phoenician alphabet - and is, therefore, the "ancestor" of all the world's alphabets, inscriptions that sired the Greek and Latin, the Aramaic and the Hebrew as well as the Arabic alphabets. THE PRINCESS EUROPA MOSAIC Located in the next exhibit room of the Historical area, the famous Princess Europa Mosaic is a reporduction of a Roman mosaic (64 BC) discovered in Tyre. It is made out of the same Lebanese stones as the original and depicts the famous legend of the daughter of Agenor, King of Phoenicia. Europa's beauty fired the love of Zeus who took the mortal form of a bull and eloped with her from Phoenicia to the Island of Crete. The mosaic is a presonification of this Phoenician princess who gave her name to the Coontinent of Europe. THE TORCH OF CULTURE The massive, Arab-inspired torch, located in the Culture Room, symbolizes Lebanon's contribution to civilization. Sami El Khazen, noted Lebanese decorator, designed the white metal and crystal piece of contemporary sculpture. Over 11 feet high and designed in the form of ancient stalactites, its shape embodies that of a towering flame, representing the spread of Lebanese culture throughout the world. Another feature of the Culture Room is the tribute to the Universities and schools of higher learning which have contributed to the spread of culture from the times of the ancient Phoenicians up to the present day American University of Beirut -- the oldest and largest American University outside the boundries of the United States. THE PHOENICIAN Many young sculptors have found that the iron art form brings forth their best creations. "The Phoenician", which stands in the center of the Information Room, is the work of Aref Rayess (who also sculpted the great white stone - which spells out "Lebanon" in Arabic - that stands outside, in front of the Pavilion). Mr. Rayess drew his inspiration for the towering figure from the small figurines and bronze statuettes found in the sarcophagi of ancient Phoenician tombs. It stands before a mural depicting the areas settled by ancient Phoenicians and then by modern Lebanese, symbolizing the historical tradition of their people through the ages. NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1964-65

THE LEBANON PAVILION (Cont'd) THE FOUNTAIN BASIN The little basin, located at the end of the Information Room in front of the typical 18th-century Lebanese Salon, has been brought to the Pavilion from a small village high in the mountains of Lebanon. This authentic fountain dates from the seventeenth century and symbolizes the Moslem and Arab influence in Lebanese art during the romantic period dating from the seventeenth to the nineteenth century. GIFT SHOP A visit to the Gift Shop "Bazaar" is similar to a shopping spree in Beirut, famous for centuries as the trading cross roads of the Near East. In olden days the caravans on their way from the East always brought fine merchandise and today Beirut is still the Middle East's cneter of commerce. The Pavilion Gift Shop carries such exotic items as elaborate brocades, handsomely carved table services from Djezzine, mosaic boxes, delicate embroideries from the famous "Artisanat" (Beirut's most famous art shop), detailed reporductions of "The Phoenician" (the large-iron sculpture featured in the Pavilion's Information Room), gold, copper, and silver handicrafts, rings, key holders, bracelets and Arab and Phoenician pins. Outstanding gift items include the unique, century-old four-piece "Puzzle ring", miniatures of King Ahiram's Sarcophagus and copies of other art objects, in addition to coffee sets, rugs and other native handicrafts. THE "SHALLAL" -- OUTDOOR BAR AND RESTAURANT Named the "SHALLAL" (the Water Fall) after its cascading fountain of cooling waters, our authentic Lebanese "snack-bar" Restaurant is located in the small palm tree patio of the Pavilion -- reminiscent of a typical, open-air Near Eastern cafe complete with the atmosphere, color and bustle of the adjoining gift shop Bazaar and the musical back ground of such native Lebanese recording favorites a Fayruz. The "SHALLAL" is under the supervision of Chef Antoine, one of the world's top craftsmen of Lebanese culnary arts and in addition to the pleasing Lebanese menu, also serves a wide variety of American and imported alcolholic beverages, including "Arak", the Lebanese native drink, an anisetted alcohol comsumed with ice water. For those interested in enjoying the best in Lebanese food -- whether gourmet or just plain curious -- there is the Lebanese hors d'oevres: "Mezze", famed the world over; many varieties of fish such as the "Tajen" (a special fish marinated with sesame sauce and onion); and a number of interesting meat courses to include the national dish of Lebanon: the "Kibbeh", a tender, cubed lamb, mixed with chopped onions, salt, pepper and "Burghul" (crushed wheat). Health food and vegetarian fans will also find many interesting items, for the Lebanese cuisine is probably one of the oldest and most delicious of the low calorie, high protein diets. Al courses are accompanied by Lebanese flat, round breads that are most tasty, yet not doughy. For dessert, one can find all the delicated sweets of the Near East such as "Halva", "Baklava", and "Maamovl" - and to top off your typical Lebanese meal, try the "SHALLAL's" specially prepared Turkish coffee, which, tradition has it, is sweetened according to the happiness of the occasion. The "SHALLAL" is open from 10 A.M. until 10 P.M. We invite you to enjoy a snack or a complete meal with the best of imported wines - all at reasonable prices - as a delectable conclusion to your visit to "Lebanon" at the New York World's Fair.