Changes

The Phoenicians are among the most 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.

==Who were the Phoenicians?==

The Phoenicians were a Semitic people who primarily inhabited Lebanon, but they may also have lived in parts of modern Syria and Isreal. Archaeological evidence indicates that they were related to the Levant's Ancient people, known as Canaanites, in the Bible.

==What was the Phoenician economy, society, and religion like?==

The Phoenicians were great explorers, and it is believed that Hanno explored the west coast of African in the 7th century BC. There are even some sources that argue that they visited Britain and Ireland. The city-states had large fleets, and they pioneered the development of the multi-tiered oared galley, which was the most advanced ship in the period. The Phoenicians became great sailors to secure resources and to engage in commerce. The economies of cities such as Tyre were dependent on manufacturing and trade. They exported cedar wood all over the Mediterranean and were renowned for their purple dyes production, which was very popular with ancient monarchs.