The Temple of Eshmun was established sometime at the end of the 7th century BCE by Phoenicians who worshiped Eshmun, the god of healing. Phoenicians were sea faring peoples who lived in the Eastern Mediterranean Coast, largely controlling the trade routes in the Mediterranean. They were particularly famous for exporting cloth dyed in Tyrian purple, attained from processing a specific sea snails living in the Mediterranean sea. The Temple of Eshmun is located 2km north of Sidon, a major Phoenician town south of Beirut. The location of the temple was chosen due to its proximity to a water source that would be used in ceremonies. The site was damaged following a large earthquake in the 4th century BCE. However, later cultures continued to build around this important religious site. Today, the site contains a diverse range of structures from different eras.