The Phoenicians==Introduction==[[File:Phoen 3.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Statue of Baal]]__NOTOC__The Phoenicians are among the most important influential people in the Ancient world. These people decisively shaped the culture and the economy of the Levant and greatly influenced the Ancient Greeks, Etruscans, Hebrews, and many others. Sadly, we only know them from the writings of other cultures. Among their contributions to civilization was the development of a phonetic alphabet and a pan-Mediterranean economy. They are also believed to have pioneered new political systems that were very influential and influenced other civilizations in the Middle East. Their neighbors also adopted many of their cultural practices were adopted by their neighbors. They are widely believed to have helped to establish create the Classical World that was centered on the Mediterranean, which gave birth to the Western world. [[File: Phoen 3.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Statue of Baal]]==The history of the Phoenicians== The Phoenicians were a Semitic people who inhabited what is now Lebanon, but they may also have inhabited parts of modern Syria and Isreal. Archaeological evidence indicates that they were related to the Ancient people of the Levant known as Canaanites, in the Bible. The Phoenicians emerged in history about 1800 BC, during the Bronze Age. They occupied a narrow strip of coast and they were surrounded by stronger kingdoms and Empires <ref> Moscati, Sabatino The World of the Phoenicians (NY: Frederick A. Praeger, 1995, p. 34) </ref>. This forced them to become highly urbanized and to become seafarers and merchants, to survive. The most important urban centers in Phoenicia were Tyre, Sidon, Arwad, Berytus, and Byblos. Initially monarchies over time they developed complex political systems. The cities were often rivals’ but often cooperated on maritime and trading matters and sometimes formed a league of city-states. At times one urban center would dominate the others as was the case with Tyre, which dominated Phoenicia in the 9th century BC. The wealth of the cities meant that they were often targeted by predatory kings. The Phoenicians came under the sway of the Pharaohs until about 1250 BC. The invasions of the Sea-peoples led to the collapse of the Egyptian Empire. This led to the economic and cultural flourishing of the Phoenicians. Based on the archaeological evidence, it seems that there was a great deal of continuity in Phoenician society and culture, but they also absorbed Babylonian and Egyptian influences <ref> Moscati, p 14</ref>. The urban population in Phoenicia exploded in the 9th and 8th centuries BC. They had already established a number of trading posts from Spain to the Levant, which they then expanded into colonies. In 814 BC, colonists from Tyre settled in what became Carthage, during the reign of King Pygmalion. The kings of Tyre were able to establish an informal empire that included all of the Phoenician colonies in the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians remained the dominant sea power in the Levant even when they became the vassals of the neo-Assyrian Empire. However, the rise of the Persian Empire was to end the golden age of Phoenicia especially after the capture of Tyre in 585 BC, by Cyrus the Great. Despite this, the Phoenicians remained wealthy and remained maritime powers, because they had a great deal of autonomy, even under Persian domination. The decline of the Phoenicians was gradual, and they eventually lost all their autonomy in the aftermath of the conquests of Alexander the Great. They became Hellenized, over the years they lost their cultural and religious identity<ref> Moscati, p 14</ref>. [[File: Phoen 2.jpg |200px|thumb|left| An inscription with words in the Phoenician alphabet]]
==Phoenician economy, society, and religion==The history of the Phoenicians==== [[File:Phoen 2.jpg |200px|thumb|left| An inscription with words in the Phoenician alphabet]]The Phoenicians were great explorers and it a Semitic people who primarily inhabited what is believed that Hannonow Lebanon, explored the west coast of African in the 7th century BC. There are even some sources that claim that but they visited the British Isles. The city-states had large fleets and they pioneered the development of the multi-tiered galley, which was revolutionary. The Phoenicians became great sailors may also have lived in an effort to secure resources and to engaged in trade. The economies parts of cities such as Tyre were dependent on manufacturing modern Syria and tradeIsreal. They exported cedar wood all over the Mediterranean and Archaeological evidence indicates that they were renowned for their production of purple dyes, which were very popular with ancient monarchs. The Phoenicians, like related to the Hebrews, who were related Ancient people, were very religious people. Their chief god was Baal and many of the Phoenician gods derived from the religion of the Canaanites. Each city has its own titular deity, for example, Melqart was the patron deity of Tyre <ref>CliffordLevant, Richard J. "Phoenician religion." Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research 279, no. 1 (1990): 55-64 </ref>. It has been claimed that they practiced human sacrifice and in particular, they sacrificed children at a site known as a TophetCanaanites, but this is rejected by some historians. Religious fraternities were very important in Phoenician social and commercial life. [[File: Phoen 4the Bible.jpg |200px|thumb|left|A Tophet where human sacrifices were allegedly held]]
==Phoenician art and culture== The Phoenicians were famous artists and Homer emerged in history about 1800 BC, during the Odyssey praises their craft persons Bronze Age. They occupied a narrow strip of coast, and artisans stronger kingdoms and Empires surrounded them.<ref>HomerMoscati, OdysseySabatino The World of the Phoenicians (NY: Frederick A. Praeger, iii1995, 67p. 34) </ref>. They utilized traditional Canaanite styles and designs. Like many other urban cultures Because they were receptive to new ideas and artistic styles, for examplehad limited land, they adopted the Egyptian-style of sarcophagibecame a highly urbanized society that relied on seafarers and merchants to survive. There is as such no single distinctive Phoenician artistic styleTyre, but they did develop new skills and transmitted the art of other peoples across the Levant. Artistic works made in cities such as Sidon were exported all over the Mediterranean to Carthaginian outposts and they influenced local artists. The Phoenicians played a very important role in the development of the First Jewish Temple, built by King SolomonArwad, Berytus, artisans sent by and Byblos were the King of Tyre helped most critical cities in its construction. The cities of Phoenicia played a critical role in the artistic development of the Levant and beyond<ref> Moscati, p 14</ref>.
==While Phoenicia started as a monarchy over time, it developed a sophisticated and innovative political system. The Phoenician Alphabet==Perhaps the most important cultural innovation cities were often rivals’ but often cooperated on maritime and trading matters and sometimes formed a league of city-states. At times one urban center would dominate the Phoenicians others as was the development of case with Tyre, which dominated Phoenicia in the alphabet around 1000 9th century BC. It appears The wealth of the cities meant that predatory kings often targeted them. The Phoenicians came under the Canaanites had developed sway of the first phonetic alphabet and it was used by several Pharaohs until about 1250 BCE. The invasions of the Sea-peoples such as led to the collapse of the Egyptian Empire. This led to the economic and cultural flourishing of the MoabitesPhoenicians. Based on the archaeological evidence , it would appear seems that the Phoenicians contributed to the development there was a great deal of this alphabet continuity in Phoenician society and it appears that culture, but they used it widely in their commercial enterprisesalso absorbed Babylonian and Egyptian influences. They helped to popularize the use of <ref> Moscati, p 14</ref> The urban population in Phoenicia exploded in the alphabet 9th and many cultures including 8th centuries BC. They had already established several trading posts from Spain to the Greeks and Hebrews adopted itLevant, which they then expanded into colonies. Over timeIn 814 BCE, colonists from Tyre settled in what became Carthage, many national languages used their writing systemduring the reign of King Pygmalion. This alphabet was one The kings of Tyre were able to establish an informal empire that included all of the most important inventions Phoenician colonies in all of human historythe Mediterranean. It was different from hieroglyphs, used by many societies The Phoenicians remained the dominant sea power in the Levant as it was not based on signs, but on even when they became the sounds vassals of speech that people madethe neo-Assyrian Empire. The consonants were combined with vowels However, the rise of the Persian Empire was to form words and sentences and allowed individuals to engage end the golden age of Phoenicia, especially after the capture of Tyre in much more complex communications than previously585 BCE, by Cyrus the Great. This allowed bureaucrats Despite this, the Phoenicians remained wealthy and others to keep more effective records and made governments more efficientremained maritime powers, because they had a great deal of autonomy, even under Persian domination. Ordinary peopleThe decline of the Phoenicians was gradual, such as traders could learn and they eventually lost all their autonomy in the alphabet and become literate, which revolutionized many aspects aftermath of life. The impact the conquests of this system for writing was to have a profound impact on Alexander the GreeksGreat. They became Hellenized, over the years they adopted it, as they emerged from lost their Dark Agescultural and religious identity. Scholars believe that the Hebrew alphabet is a regional variant of the one used in Phoenicia. Today<ref> Moscati, p 14</ref> ====Phoenician economy, society, the script developed and transmitted by the inhabitants of cities such as Sidon, Tyre and Byblos, forms the basis for most religion==== [[File: Phoen 4.jpg |150px|thumb|left|A Tophet where human sacrifices were allegedly held]]The Phoenicians were great explorers and it is believed that Hanno, explored the west coast of African in the globe’s alphabets<ref>Diringer, David, 7th century BC. There are even some sources that argue that they visited Britain and HIreland. Freeman. A History The city-states had large fleets and they pioneered the development of the Alphabet (Londonmulti-tiered oared galley, Unwin Brothers, 1977), pwhich was the most advanced ship in the period. 8, 89, 112</ref>.==The Phoenicians: first democrats?==Phoenicia was a unique area became great sailors in an effort to secure resources and to engage in the Mediterraneancommerce. As was the case with other urban and mercantile societies it developed sophisticated political systemsThe economies of cities such as Tyre were dependent on manufacturing and trade. The governments They exported cedar wood all over the Mediterranean and were renowned for their production of these city-states was initially organized around kingspurple dyes, which were very popular with ancient monarchs. The Phoenicians, like the priesthood and a council of eldersHebrews, who were related people, were very religious people. These increasingly became oligarchic in nature over time Their chief god was Baal and often many of the Phoenician gods derived from the religion of the cities entered Leagues or federationsCanaanites. The Phoenicians were among the first to develop political institutions other than that Each city has its own titular deity, for example, Melqart was the patron deity of monarchy in the LevantTyre. There are those who claim that they introduced a limited form <ref>Clifford, Richard J. "Phoenician religion." Bulletin of the American Schools of democracyOriental Research 279, no. There is evidence that during religious festivities 1 (1990): 55-64 </ref> It has been claimed that citizens of cities such they practiced human sacrifice and in particular, they sacrificed children at a site known as Sidon would vote for candidates for the assemblya Tophet, but this is rejected by some historians. These democratic practices Religious fraternities were transmitted to outposts such as Carthagevery important in Phoenician social and commercial life. We can have a better understanding of ====Phoenician art and culture==== The Phoenicians were famous artists and Homer in the nature of Punic institutions by studying the constitution of CarthageOdyssey praises their craft persons and artisans. It was an oligarchical republic where citizens could elect two presidents called Suffetes. It even had a popular assembly <ref>Homer, Odyssey, iii, 67</ref> They utilized traditional Canaanite styles and trade unionsdesigns. The Phoenician’s political system is deemed Like many other urban cultures, they were receptive to have been very influential in new ideas and artistic styles, for example, they adopted the development Egyptian-style of governments in the Classical periodsarcophagi. There are those who claim that Greek city-states such as Athens were influenced by was no single, distinctive Phoenician artistic style, but they developed new skills and transmitted the governments art of other peoples across the Levant. Creative works made in cities such as Sidon and Tyrewere exported all over the Mediterranean to Carthaginian outposts, but and they influenced local artists. The Phoenicians played a vital role in the majority development of academics believe that this was not the case. It appears that the PhoeniciansFirst Jewish Temple, via the Ancient Greeksbuilt by King Solomon, were influential in artisans sent by the development King of democracy Tyre helped in its construction. The cities of Phoenicia played a critical role in the artistic development of the Levant and beyond<ref>StockwellMoscati, Stephenp 14</ref>. "Before Athens: Early popular government in Phoenicia and Greek city-states." In ====The Secret History of Democracy, pp. 35-48. Palgrave Macmillan, London, 2011</ref>.Phoenician Alphabet======The creation Perhaps the most important cultural innovation of a Mediterranean economy==The Phoenicians were renowned traders and sailors. They traded all over the Mediterranean and even in Phoenicians was the development of the Black Seaalphabet around 1000 BC. They traded luxury goods It appears that the Canaanites had developed the first phonetic alphabet, and high-value products peoples such as the famous purple dye, far and wideMoabites used it. Traders from Sidon and other cities voyaged great distances to obtain metals such as bronze and tin. These were sourced in Based on the mysterious land of Tareshevidence, which is believed to have been located in modern Spain. The it would appear that the Phoenicians and the colonies helped contributed to create a trade network that traversed the Mediterranean Sea development of this alphabet, and beyondit appears that they used it widely in their commercial enterprises. This They helped the region to recover from popularize the collapse use of civilizations associated with the Sea Peoples. Howeveralphabet, and many cultures, including the Phoenicians were not just tradersGreeks and Hebrews, they were also notorious pirates and slaversadopted it. NonethelessOver time, city-states such as Tyre made a crucial contribution to many national languages used their writing system. This alphabet was one of the development most important inventions in all of international tradehuman history. What is moreIt was different from hieroglyphs, used by many societies in the commercial networks of the Phoenicians allowed for Levant as it was not based on signs, but on the exchange and transmission sounds of ideas. Historians believe speech that they influenced other cultures, especially with regard to religionpeople made. The Greek goddess Aphrodite was based on the cult of Astarte, which was widely practiced consonants were combined with vowels to form words and sentences and allowed individuals to engage in Phoenicia <ref>Sherratt, Susan, much more complex communications than previously. This system permitted bureaucrats and others to keep more effective records and Andrew Sherrattmade governments more efficient. "The growth Ordinary people, such as traders, could learn the alphabet and become literate, which revolutionized many aspects of life. Scholars believe that the Mediterranean economy in Hebrew alphabet is a regional variant of the early first millennium BCone used in Phoenicia." World Archaeology 24Today, no. 3 (1993): 361-378the script developed and transmitted by the inhabitants of cities such as Sidon, Tyre and Byblos, forms the basis for most of the globe’s alphabets.</ref>. ==Carthage==By the 5th century BCDiringer, David, and H. Freeman. A History of the small trading outpost had developed into a powerful cityAlphabet (London, Unwin Brothers, 1977), p. It was the leading maritime and commercial power in the Western Mediterranean. It 8, 89, 112</ref> ====Phoenicians: Early for of democracy?====As was under the control of Tyre until it was conquered by the Persianscase with other urban and mercantile societies, Phoenicia developed sophisticated political systems. The Carthaginians freed from the influence of Phoenicia conquered the other Punic outposts and eventually dominated much of These city-states initially organized these governments around kings, the North Africa coast priesthood, and many a council of the Mediterranean islands <ref>Astin, Aelders. These increasingly became oligarchic over time. E., M. W. Frederiksen, RThe Phoenicians were among the first to develop political institutions other than that of the monarchy in the Levant. M. OgilvieSome claim that they introduced a limited form of democracy, and Fcenturies before the Greeks. W There is evidence that during religious festivities that citizens of cities such as Sidon would vote for candidates for the assembly. WalbankPeople transmitted these democratic practices to outposts, edssuch as Carthage. The Cambridge ancient historyWe can have a better understanding of the nature of Punic institutions by studying the constitution of Carthage. Cambridge University Press, 1984), pIt was an oligarchical republic where citizens could elect two presidents called Suffetes. 117</ref>It even had a popular assembly and trade unions. Carthage retained its Phoenician culture and institutions and influenced many societies The Phoenician’s political system was instrumental in the region, down development of governments in the centuriesClassical period. They were the rivals The governments of the Greeks in Sicily cities such as Sidon and elsewhere and later they proved to be Tyre influenced the greatest enemy of RomeGreek city-states such as Athens. The Carthaginians fought three wars with Rome, known as the Punic Wars It is also possible that they also introduced democratic institutions and they were ultimately practices to determine the fate of Etruscans who later transmitted them to the Mediterranean World for centuriesRomans. If they had prevailed over Rome<ref>Stockwell, the history of the Western World could have been much different. Despite their defeat Stephen. "Before Athens: Early popular government in Phoenicia and the eventual destruction of the Greek city in 154 BC-states." In The Secret History of Democracy, it left an enduring legacypp. 35-48. They introduced new agricultural methods and naval technologies into the regionPalgrave Macmillan, which were adopted by Rome. MoreoverLondon, they developed a rich civilization and economy on the North African littoral <ref> Astin, p. 2012011</ref> ====The creation of a Mediterranean economy====The Phoenicians were renowned traders and sailors. This area after They traded all over the Third Punic War was occupied by Mediterranean and even in the Romans Black Sea. They traded luxury goods and it became crucial for their economy. Moreoverhigh-value products such as the famous purple dye, many Punic communities continued far and wide. Traders from Sidon and other cities voyaged great distances to prosper, obtain metals such as that at Uticabronze and tin. Many remained proud of their Phoenician ancestry, such as one of These were sourced in the greatest mysterious land of all Christian thinkersTaresh, St Augustinewhich is believed to have been located in modern Spain. Indeed, it was only with The Phoenicians and the collapse of colonies helped to create a trade network that traversed the Western Roman Empire, that Punic culture Mediterranean Sea and language, vanished, beyond. This network helped the region to recover from the region <ref>Astin, p. 213</ref>. The Phoenicians through their colony at Carthage alter collapse of civilizations associated with the course of history in North AfricaSea Peoples. [[File: Phoen 1However, the Phoenicians were not just traders; they were also notorious pirates and slavers.jpg |200px|thumb|left|Punic ruins]]==Conclusion==Phoenicia is Nonetheless, city-states such as Tyre made a civilization that is little appreciated today, unlike those crucial contribution to the development of Greece international trade. What is more, the commercial networks of the Phoenicians allowed for the exchange and Rometransmission of ideas. This was because it and its colonies were subjugated by Historians believe that they influenced other powers and its libraries and records nearly all destroyedcultures, especially about religion. This means that their contributions to ancient civilization and history has often not been recognizedThe Greek goddess Aphrodite was based on the cult of Astarte, which was widely practiced in Phoenicia. Among their many achievements the Phoenicians pioneered new commercial networks <ref>Sherratt, Susan, and introduced urban living into many areas Andrew Sherratt. "The growth of the Mediterranean for economy in the early first timemillennium BC. The Phoenicians introduced the phonetic alphabet to many societies’ and this was to revolutionize many cultures and this changed the history of the " WorldArchaeology 24, no. The unique societies of 3 (1993): 361-378</ref> ====Phoenicia meant that they were among role in the first to develop democratic institutions and these were possibly emulated by the Ancient Greeksdevelopment of Carthage====[[File:Phoen 1. Their colonization of the Mediterranean was important. The Phoenician jpg |200px|thumb|left|Punic ruins]]By the 5th century BC, the small trading post outpost of Carthage eventually became an Empire that developed into a great city. It became the leading maritime and commercial power in the Western Mediterranean. It was pivotal in under the history control of Tyre until the Classical WorldPersians conquered Phoenicia. ==Further Reading==Clifford, R. J. (1990). Phoenician religion. Bulletin The Carthaginians freed from the influence of Phoenicia conquered the American Schools other Punic outposts and eventually dominated much of the North Africa coast and many of Oriental Researchthe Mediterranean islands.<ref>Astin, 279(1)A. E., M. W. Frederiksen, 55-64R. M.MillarOgilvie, and F. (1983)W. Walbank, eds. The Phoenician cities: a case-study of HellenisationCambridge ancient history. The Cambridge Classical JournalUniversity Press, 291984), 55-71p.117</ref> MarkoeCarthage retained its Phoenician culture and institutions and influenced many societies in the region, Gdown the centuries. E. (1990). The emergence of Phoenician art. Bulletin They were the rivals of the American Schools Greeks in Sicily and elsewhere, and later they proved to be the greatest enemy of Oriental research, 279(1)Rome. The Carthaginians fought three wars with Rome, 13-26.Odedknown as the Punic Wars, B. (1974). The Phoenician cities and they were ultimately to determine the Assyrian Empire in the time fate of Tiglath-pileser IIIthe Mediterranean World for centuries. Zeitschrift des Deutschen Palästina-Vereins (1953-) If they had prevailed over Rome, (Hthe history of the Western World could have been much different. 1), 38-49Despite their defeat and the eventual destruction of the city in 154 BC, Carthage left an enduring legacy.==References=They introduced new agricultural methods and naval technologies into the region, which were adopted by Rome. Moreover, the Carthaginians developed a rich civilization and economy on the North African littoral.<ref> Astin, p. 201</ref> After the Romans occupied Carthage after the Third Punic War, it became a crucial part of the Roman economy. Moreover, many Punic communities continued to prosper, such as that at Utica. Many remained proud of their Phoenician ancestry, such as one of the greatest of all Christian thinkers, St Augustine. Indeed, it was only with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, that Punic culture and language, vanished, from the region.<ref>Astin, p. 213</ref> The Phoenicians through their colony at Carthage altered the course of history in North Africa. ====Conclusion====Phoenicia is far less famous than the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. Phoenicia's place in history was erased because it and its colonies were conquered by other powers and its libraries and records nearly all destroyed after Persia conquered the kingdom. Therefore, Phoenicia's contributions to ancient civilization and history have often not been recognized. Among their many achievements the Phoenicians pioneered new commercial networks and introduced urban living into many areas of the Mediterranean for the first time. The Phoenicians introduced the phonetic alphabet to many societies. This innovation revolutionized many cultures in the Mediterranean and changed the course history of world history. Phoenicia was also one of the first civilizations to develop democratic institutions. These were emulated by the Ancient Greeks. Their colonization of the Mediterranean was important. The Phoenician trading post of Carthage eventually became an Empire that was pivotal in the history of the Classical World. ====Further Reading====* Clifford, R. J. (1990). Phoenician religion. Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 279(1), 55-64.* Millar, F. (1983). The Phoenician cities: a case-study of Hellenisation. The Cambridge Classical Journal, 29, 55-71.*Markoe, G. E. (1990). The emergence of Phoenician art. Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental research, 279(1), 13-26.*Oded, B. (1974). The Phoenician cities and the Assyrian Empire in the time of Tiglath-pileser III. Zeitschrift des Deutschen Palästina-Vereins (1953-), (H. 1), 38-49. ====References====<references/> [[Category:Wikis]] [[Category:History of the Levant]] [[Category:Ancient History]] [[Category:Ancient Greek History]]
