
Phoenician shipbuilding
Phoenician shipbuilding, prominent around 1200 BCE to 300 BCE, was crucial for their trade and exploration. The Phoenicians, skilled craftsmen from present-day Lebanon, built sturdy wooden ships, often using cedar, prized for its durability and resistance to rot. Their ships featured a single mast with a square sail and oars, enabling effective maneuverability in various waters. The design allowed for both cargo transport and naval warfare. This innovative maritime technology established them as leading traders in the Mediterranean, connecting diverse cultures and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas across vast distances.