The Receipt: Lebanese Civil War Tee

Somebody always pays. Lebanon built its government on religious arithmetic: the presidency, the premiership and the seats in parliament were all handed out by sect. When the numbers stopped adding up in 1975, the sects formed militias, and the country tore itself apart along those same lines.

Fifteen years later, 120,000–150,000 people were dead, and the UN estimated about $25 billion in physical damage. Beirut was a city cut in two. This tee prints the bill: ITEM: Lebanese Civil War. DATES: 1975–1990. WHO PAID: Civilians. THANK YOU FOR BELIEVING.

Every figure is a historians' estimate, printed as a range where the source gives one. See our sources.

No refunds. No returns. Wear the truth.

Fit: Unisex retail fit, 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton (Ash 99% cotton; Athletic Heather 90/10). Lightweight, soft, crew neck.

Product information: Bella+Canvas 3001, two year warranty in the EU and Northern Ireland

Warnings, Hazard: For adults

Care instructions: Machine wash: cold (max 30C or 90F), Non-chlorine: bleach as needed, Tumble dry: low heat, Iron, steam or dry: medium heat, Do not dryclean