Map of Phoenicia 1200-800 B.C.E
The ancient civilization of Phoenicia was in Canaan, and was spread out across the coast of the Mediterranean. They were great seamen, and are well known for their warships. Their most powerful cities were Tyre and Sydon. They had a polytheistic religion where they mainly worshiped fertility gods/goddesses, Gebel/Byblos, and Baalbek, being their centers of religion. They held a monopoly on purple dye used for royal clothing, which led to them being extremely rich and referred to as the "Purple People". Their name also referrers to this industry. The Phoenician's were some of the greatest traders of their time. Many European, North African and Middle Eastern cities can trace themselves back to Phoenician roots. Although overshadowed by the legacy of Greece and Rome, the Phoenicians opened up trade, commerce, and communication on a larger scale, and many future Empires continued to benefit.