[5] It is considered likely to be initially very small and of Phoenician origin, but it was greatly enlarged and improved by the Romans[6] Ernest Renan visited the site and discovered sections of a frieze and parts of pediment attributed to the temple.

A partly broken cockle shell with a figure of a goddess with outstretched arms was also found recently during ploughing by a tractor.

[2][9] The temple is situated on a hill, approximately 300 metres (980 ft) from the main spring in the area, the Naba al-Arbain.

[2] Michael Alouf found a statue of Adonis in the temple, carrying an ear of corn in one hand and a quivver and a lamb in the other.

He suggested that oracles were consulted at the temple in connection with Queen Zenobia, who legend tells, sent offerings to the goddess by placing them on the lake.

During the 1970s Ali Akbar Mohtashamipur lived in Yammoune whilst receiving military training at a Fatah camp.

[14] In Phoenician Mythology, the goddess Astarte turned herself into a golden fish in Yammoune lake to escape from the vengeance of Adonis's wrathful brother Typhon.

[1] The lake is filled from a water cavern to the west of the temple has only one outflow, through a big hole and Robert Boulanger suggested that it might dry up entirely at the end of summer.