The Great Pillars at Baalbec 1857

Francis Frith's 1857 photograph "The Great Pillars at Baalbec" captures the grandeur of the ancient Roman temple complex in Lebanon. The image showcases the impressive scale of the six remaining columns, showcasing the temple's once-mighty stature. The ruins, framed against a clear sky, speak to the passage of time and the enduring legacy of Roman architecture. Frith, a pioneer of travel photography, documented the world with his camera, capturing historical sites and local cultures. This photograph, now held by The Art Institute of Chicago, is a testament to his contributions to the field of photography.