Ancient Phoenicians

The ancient Phoenicians were a Semitic-speaking people who lived around the Mediterranean coast, especially in what is now Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, roughly from 1500 to 300 BCE. They were renowned traders, sailors, and shipbuilders, establishing powerful city-states like Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos. Phoenicians are famous for developing one of the earliest alphabets, which greatly influenced later writing systems. They also specialized in purple dye and glass-making, and founded colonies across the Mediterranean, including Carthage. Their innovations in trade and writing significantly shaped ancient commerce and communication.