Phoenicia: Difference between revisions
CSV import |
CSV import |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''Phoenicia''' was an ancient [[ | {{short description|Ancient Semitic-speaking civilization}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}} | |||
'''Phoenicia''' was an ancient [[Semitic]]-speaking civilization that originated in the [[Levant]] region of the eastern [[Mediterranean]] during the first millennium BC. The Phoenicians are renowned for their maritime trading culture and the spread of the [[Phoenician alphabet]], which is considered one of the ancestors of modern alphabets. | |||
==Geography== | |||
Phoenicia was located along the coastal regions of modern-day [[Lebanon]], [[Syria]], and northern [[Israel]]. The major cities of Phoenicia included [[Tyre]], [[Sidon]], [[Byblos]], and [[Arwad]]. These cities were strategically positioned to facilitate trade across the Mediterranean. | |||
[[File:Phoenician_trade_routes_(eng).svg|thumb|right|Map of Phoenician trade routes]] | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
Phoenicia | The history of Phoenicia is marked by its interactions with neighboring civilizations, including the [[Egyptians]], [[Assyrians]], [[Babylonians]], and [[Persians]]. The Phoenicians were known for their skills in shipbuilding and navigation, which allowed them to establish trade networks across the Mediterranean. | ||
===Early History=== | |||
Phoenicia's early history is intertwined with the [[Canaanite]] culture. By the 12th century BC, the Phoenicians had established themselves as a distinct entity, known for their seafaring abilities and trade. | |||
===Classical Period=== | |||
During the classical period, Phoenicia came under the influence of several empires. The [[Assyrian Empire]] exerted control over Phoenicia in the 9th century BC, followed by the [[Babylonian Empire]] in the 6th century BC. The [[Achaemenid Empire]] later incorporated Phoenicia into its territories. | |||
[[File:Assyrian_-_Fragments_of_Bands_from_a_Gate_-_Walters_542335_-_View_A.jpg|thumb|left|Assyrian influence on Phoenician art]] | |||
===Hellenistic and Roman Periods=== | |||
After the conquests of [[Alexander the Great]], Phoenicia became part of the [[Hellenistic]] world. The cities of Phoenicia were later absorbed into the [[Roman Empire]], where they continued to thrive as centers of trade and culture. | |||
==Culture== | ==Culture== | ||
The Phoenicians | Phoenician culture was heavily influenced by their interactions with other civilizations. They are credited with the development of the [[Phoenician alphabet]], which greatly influenced the Greek and Latin alphabets. | ||
===Religion=== | |||
The Phoenicians practiced a polytheistic religion, worshipping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Major deities included [[Baal]], [[Astarte]], and [[Melqart]]. | |||
===Art and Architecture=== | |||
Phoenician art and architecture were characterized by their use of local materials and influences from neighboring cultures. They were skilled in metalwork, ivory carving, and glassmaking. | |||
[[File:0675_-_Phoenician_glass_necklace_-_Museo_Archeologico,_Cagliari_-_Photo_by_Giovanni_Dall'Orto,_November_11_2016.jpg|thumb|right|Phoenician glass necklace]] | |||
==Economy== | ==Economy== | ||
The economy of Phoenicia was based on trade. The Phoenicians were | The economy of Phoenicia was based on trade and commerce. The Phoenicians were renowned for their production of purple dye, known as [[Tyrian purple]], which was highly valued in antiquity. | ||
[[File:Coin_of_Abdashtart_I,_Achaemenid_Phoenicia_(2).jpg|thumb|left|Coin from Achaemenid Phoenicia]] | |||
==Legacy== | ==Legacy== | ||
The legacy of | The legacy of Phoenicia is evident in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which laid the foundation for many modern writing systems. Their maritime prowess and trade networks also contributed to cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean. | ||
[[File:Construction_of_Xerxes_Bridge_of_boats_by_Phoenician_sailors.jpg|thumb|right|Phoenician sailors constructing Xerxes' bridge of boats]] | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Carthage]] | * [[Carthage]] | ||
* [[Tyre]] | |||
* [[Sidon]] | |||
* [[Byblos]] | |||
* [[Phoenician alphabet]] | |||
[[Category:Phoenicia]] | [[Category:Phoenicia]] | ||
[[Category:Ancient civilizations]] | [[Category:Ancient civilizations]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Levant]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:47, 23 March 2025
Ancient Semitic-speaking civilization
Phoenicia was an ancient Semitic-speaking civilization that originated in the Levant region of the eastern Mediterranean during the first millennium BC. The Phoenicians are renowned for their maritime trading culture and the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which is considered one of the ancestors of modern alphabets.
Geography[edit]
Phoenicia was located along the coastal regions of modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and northern Israel. The major cities of Phoenicia included Tyre, Sidon, Byblos, and Arwad. These cities were strategically positioned to facilitate trade across the Mediterranean.
.svg)
History[edit]
The history of Phoenicia is marked by its interactions with neighboring civilizations, including the Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, and Persians. The Phoenicians were known for their skills in shipbuilding and navigation, which allowed them to establish trade networks across the Mediterranean.
Early History[edit]
Phoenicia's early history is intertwined with the Canaanite culture. By the 12th century BC, the Phoenicians had established themselves as a distinct entity, known for their seafaring abilities and trade.
Classical Period[edit]
During the classical period, Phoenicia came under the influence of several empires. The Assyrian Empire exerted control over Phoenicia in the 9th century BC, followed by the Babylonian Empire in the 6th century BC. The Achaemenid Empire later incorporated Phoenicia into its territories.
Hellenistic and Roman Periods[edit]
After the conquests of Alexander the Great, Phoenicia became part of the Hellenistic world. The cities of Phoenicia were later absorbed into the Roman Empire, where they continued to thrive as centers of trade and culture.
Culture[edit]
Phoenician culture was heavily influenced by their interactions with other civilizations. They are credited with the development of the Phoenician alphabet, which greatly influenced the Greek and Latin alphabets.
Religion[edit]
The Phoenicians practiced a polytheistic religion, worshipping a pantheon of gods and goddesses. Major deities included Baal, Astarte, and Melqart.
Art and Architecture[edit]
Phoenician art and architecture were characterized by their use of local materials and influences from neighboring cultures. They were skilled in metalwork, ivory carving, and glassmaking.
Economy[edit]
The economy of Phoenicia was based on trade and commerce. The Phoenicians were renowned for their production of purple dye, known as Tyrian purple, which was highly valued in antiquity.
.jpg)
Legacy[edit]
The legacy of Phoenicia is evident in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which laid the foundation for many modern writing systems. Their maritime prowess and trade networks also contributed to cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean.
