ancient states of Phoenicia was located in present-day Lebanon.Despite the great distance from many countries, Phoenician merchants were known even in far northern lands.This became possible due to active trading, they were not only on the Mediterranean coast, but also far beyond.What sold the Phoenician merchants in foreign countries, as they were able to travel great distances?On this and many other topics on.
geographical position of Phoenicia, economy and crafts
Almost all the major cities of Phoenicia were concentrated on the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea.It allowed merchants to freely trade with many countries, which are also located near the sea-going ways.In addition, through Phoenicia passed several rather large caravan roads.
position of this country on the world map is not very convenient in terms of subsistence farming.This is due to the lack of large rivers and fertile soil, resulting in agriculture is developed only in the direction of horticulture and viticulture.The most commonly grown grapes and olives.Also, the population was engaged in fishing.In addition, the Phoenicians actively developing forests consisting of cedar and oak.Those items that were sold Phoenician merchants during their travel directly associated with crafts, which have been developed in the state.The main income they received from the sale of olive oil and wine, oak and cedar wood, and more.
Phoenician merchant fleet: who traded Phoenician merchants
About Phoenician fleet should be discussed separately.Shipbuilders of that State for the first time began to make the court not with a flat bottom and the keel, allowing them to develop greater speed.Court Phoenician merchants reached 30 meters in length.They were built mostly of Lebanese cedar.The entire length of the ship were located along both sides of the bench with rowers.What sold the Phoenician merchants, down in the hold or on deck.The choice of specific cargo space dependent on how fragile and valuable items were.
Initially Phoenicia had trade links only with their geographical neighbors: Egypt, Greece and Cyprus.However, due to the development of shipbuilding industry, she managed to significantly expand its presence.Phoenician merchants were known even in the countries of Western and Eastern Europe.
Phoenician goods
So, move on to the main issue: that the Phoenician merchants were selling exactly which product has made them recognizable?Phoenician craftsmen excelled in art processing of wood and bone.Figurines and ornaments made of these materials, made them very appreciated in many countries.Cost recall that sold Phoenician merchants vessels and beads of glass, it is in this state perfectly mastered the manufacture of a wide variety of its varieties: transparent, opaque, and even color.Of particular value were bottles for perfumes, jewelry of gold and silver.
Phoenicians also learned how to make clam purple dye that was used to make tissues resistant and bright color.It should be noted that the colored material in such a way does not fade in the wash.The bulk of the product was olive oil poured on the amphorae, and grape wines.Good income Phoenician merchants brought and resale.Very often, in the European countries they traded Egyptian cotton Cypriot copper.
additional revenue Phoenician merchants
Despite the success of shopping trips around the Mediterranean and the surrounding regions, the Phoenicians did not hesitate to plunder the ships belonging to other countries.It was not unusual, and so that the merchants landed in a small settlement on the coast, and plundered it.
It is known that selling Phoenician merchants and slaves captured during such raids.Thus, the slave trade brought them a good extra income that does not require absolutely no investment.
