The territorial ambitions of Druze leader Fakhr…

The territorial ambitions of Druze leader Fakhr ad-Din II in the region of present Lebanon continue to offend his local enemies, whom he suppresses in 1625 despite assistance from the pasha of Damascus.

In addition to building up the army, Fakhr ad Din, who had become acquainted with Italian culture during his stay in Tuscany, has initiated measures to modernize the country, bringing in architects, irrigation engineers, and agricultural experts from Italy in an effort to promote prosperity in the country.

He also strengthens Lebanon's strategic position by expanding its territory, building forts as far away as Palmyra in Syria, and gaining control of Palestine.