Phoenician Empire DP Flashcards
Where was the Phoenician civilization located?
Along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
What was the Phoenician capital city?
Tyre.
For what were the Phoenicians most famous?
Their seafaring and trading skills.
What was the Phoenician alphabet based on?
Egyptian hieroglyphs.
How did the Phoenician alphabet differ from earlier writing systems?
It used a series of symbols to represent individual sounds.
What was the most important export of the Phoenicians?
Purple dye (Tyrian purple).
What were Phoenician ships called?
Ships of the Sea.
What were the Phoenicians known for trading?
Timber, metals, textiles, and luxury goods.
What colonies did the Phoenicians establish?
Carthage, Cadiz, and other cities throughout the Mediterranean.
What was the Phoenician religion?
Polytheistic.
Who was the most important Phoenician god?
Baal.
What were Phoenician temples like?
Often built on hilltops or near the sea.
What type of writing material did the Phoenicians use?
Papyrus and clay tablets.
How did Phoenician traders navigate the Mediterranean Sea?
By observing the stars and using rudimentary maps.
What impact did Phoenician trade have on the Mediterranean world?
Spread of their alphabet, culture, and goods.
What was the Phoenician glass known for?
Its high quality and intricate designs.
What were some of the challenges faced by the Phoenicians?
Competition from other maritime powers, such as the Greeks.
Who were some of Phoenicia’s main trading partners?
Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
How did the Phoenicians contribute to the development of the alphabet?
Their alphabet became the basis for many modern alphabets, including Greek and Latin.
When did the Phoenician civilization reach its peak?
Between the 10th and 8th centuries BCE.
What was the name of the famous Phoenician queen who ruled Carthage?
Dido.
How did the Phoenicians preserve their cultural identity?
Through their religion, language, and trade networks.
What was the significance of the Phoenician colony of Carthage?
It became a powerful and influential city-state in its own right.
What were some of the Phoenician technological achievements?
Improvements in shipbuilding and navigation.
How did the Phoenicians contribute to the spread of knowledge?
By establishing trading posts and sharing their knowledge with other cultures.
What was the fate of the Phoenician civilization?
Gradually absorbed by other empires, such as the Roman Empire.
What evidence remains of the Phoenician civilization today?
Archaeological sites, inscriptions, and their lasting influence on the alphabet.
How did the Phoenicians preserve records?
Through written documents, inscriptions on stone, and oral traditions.
What was the importance of the Phoenician alphabet for the development of Western civilization?
It laid the foundation for the writing systems used in many modern languages.
What can we learn from the Phoenicians today?
The importance of trade, cultural exchange, and the development of innovative technologies.
What was the primary means of transportation for the Phoenicians?
Ships.
What materials were Phoenician ships typically built from?
Cedar wood.
What was a significant innovation in Phoenician shipbuilding?
The development of the bireme (a ship with two rows of oars).
What were some key features of Phoenician ships?
Strong hulls, sails, and oars.
How did Phoenician ships contribute to their economic success?
Enabled long-distance trade and exploration.
What was the Phoenician term for their ships?
Ships of the Sea.
What role did seafaring play in Phoenician society?
Central to their economy, culture, and identity.
Did Phoenician sailors have advanced navigational skills?
Yes.
How did Phoenician ship design influence other civilizations?
Their shipbuilding techniques influenced other Mediterranean cultures.
Besides trade, how else did Phoenician ships play a role in their society?
Used for warfare and exploration.
