The debate about our Phoenician ancestry is still quite active. Phoenicians left a significant mark in history and it was all done while based in modern-day Lebanon.
With more and more DNA results proving a strong Lebanese link to Phoenicia, maybe you should know more about their accomplishments.
#1 People have been living in Byblos, a Phoenician city, for over 7000 years
Making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
#2 Phoenicians invented the alphabet
The Phoenicians invented the original alphabet, which consisted of 22 letters. The Greeks later adopted it and added 4 more, all of which we use today.
#3 Well, the Phoenicians actually invented the numbers
The Phoenicians invented numbers that look like what we call the “Roman Numerals” today. They created the alphabet and number system for the sole purpose of being able to record information about their trades.
#4 Phoenicians reached the Americas before Christopher Colombus
There is evidence that proves the presence of the Phoenicians in modern-day America – before Christopher Colombus discovered it.
#5 Phoenicians invented the purple color
It was extremely expensive and time-consuming to produce the purple color. Only the very wealthy were able to afford it. That is why the purple color has long been associated with royalty
#6 Phoenicians were the first to accept Christianity
Some studies suggest they became Christians before the Jews even converted. Saint Peter took his first headquarters in the Phoenician city of Byblos, the first unofficial yet factual Vatican, and opened the first discipleship school.
#7 ‘Phoenicianism’ is a form of Lebanese nationalism today
Phoenicianism is the belief that Lebanese are of Phoenician descent and not of Arab descent. Did you know there’s a party/movement called the United Phoenician Party in Lebanon? We just found out.
#8 Pythagoras was Phoenician
Much like most Lebanese today, Pythagoras was born abroad (Samos) to a Phoenician father from Tyre. I know we’re not a big fan of mathematics, but we should still accept him as one of our own.. after all, he was quite the genius.
#9 Phoenicians supplied the Cedar trees for King Solomon’s temple and built it themselves
The famous story in the Bible of King Solomon using our cedar trees to build his temple in Jerusalem. Check it out.
#10 Phoenicia grew into a great civilization without engaging in war
Phoenicia spanned the entire coast of the Mediterranean sea. However, it grew through trading, setting up trading posts, and building coastal cities, and not by conquering.
The Phoenicians very rarely went to war – and when they did, it was to defend one of their city-states, like the historical siege of Tyre by Alexander the Great.
#11 ‘Phoenicians’ was the name given to them by the Greeks
It comes from the Greek word “Phoinikes” for Tyranian Purple – referring to the purple dye manufactured and used in Tyre. We actually don’t know what they called themselves.
#12 The main cities of Phoenicia are located in Lebanon
Sidon, Byblos, and Tyre are ancient Phoenician cities located in Lebanon – where people have been living for thousands of years… Making them among the oldest in the World.
#13 Phoenicians invented glass manufacturing
Phoenician glassworkers invented the glass blowing skills.
#14 Phoenicians developed open-sea navigation
Before, sailors wouldn’t go far out into the sea. Rather, they stayed close to the coast. The Phoenicians revolutionized this by sailing out far into the sea which has lead to the success of their trading.
They used the North Star to help them navigate. It was referred to as the “Phoenician Star” up until the 19th century.
#15 Many Legendary Masters who impacted the world were Phoenicians from today’s Lebanon
Pythagoras, Euclide (the father of geometry), Thales (one of the 7 sages of Greece), Zeno (founder of the stoicism philosophy and who has a moon crater in his name), Cadmus (“Master of the Worl”) and many of the likes were Phoenicians.
Get to know 10 Historical Legends You Didn’t Know Were Actually Phoenicians.
So now that you have some facts about Phoenicia, feel free to use it the next time you argue in favor of the Phoenician ancestry of Lebanon.
There is even more to the Phoenicians than the above. Check out: Everything You Need to Know to Know About the Hidden Truth of Baalbek.