The Phoenicians, a Semitic-speaking people, emerged as a prominent civilization in the 2nd millennium BCE along the eastern Mediterranean coast, primarily in modern Lebanon. Renowned seafarers, traders, and skilled artisans, they established a vast maritime empire, connecting the Mediterranean and beyond. Their trading networks spanned from North Africa to the British Isles, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural influences. The Phoenicians are widely recognized for their contributions to shipbuilding, navigation, and the development of the alphabet, which significantly impacted the communication and knowledge systems of the ancient world. Their maritime prowess and commercial acumen played a pivotal role in shaping the political, cultural, and economic landscape of the Mediterranean region, leaving a lasting legacy on global trade and exploration.
