Country on eastern edge of Mediterranean Sea has a tumultuous recent history . Capital Beirut was once known as 'Paris of the East ' , city now renowned for nightlife and culture . As far back as 332BC , Alexander the Great -- realizing its importance as a strategic gateway to the Mediterranean -- led a seven-month siege at Tyre , modern Lebanon 's fourth largest city . Comment:
Country on eastern edge of Mediterranean Sea has a tumultuous recent history . Capital Beirut was once known as 'Paris of the East ' , city now renowned for nightlife and culture . Comment: