The Phoenicians emerged in the region now known as Lebanon around 3,200 B.C, influenced by different cultures including Babylonians, Egyptians, and Hittites that ruled before them. Their unique geographic position between land and sea, mountain and plain allowed them to rise to prominence largely through maritime trade.
Early Phoenician society was organized into city-states including Sidon, Tyre, and Byblos, each governed by a king. Social hierarchy was prevalent, with the elite class consisting of the royal family, priests, and landlords. Skilled craftsmakers, sailors, and laborers formed the base of society. The economy was rooted in trade, manufacturing, and craftsmaking, including the famous Phoenician purple dye.
Their religious practices were polytheistic and centered around the worship of various deities, which later influenced Greeks and Romans. They also developed an alphabet that had significant influence on other cultures and shaped modern scripts. The transition from the Bronze Age to Iron Age saw further advancements within this group, heightening their impact on the ancient world.
#1. Where did the Phoenicians emerge?
B is the answer. The text indicates that the Phoenicians emerged in the region now known as Lebanon.
#2. What was the basis of the economy in early Phoenician society?
C is the answer. According to the text, the economy of the early Phoenician society was rooted in trade, manufacturing, and craftsmaking.
#3. What was the role of the skilled craftsmen in the Phoenician society?
C is the answer. The text states that skilled craftsmen, along with sailors and laborers, formed the base of Phoenician society.
#4. What type of religion did the Phoenicians practice?
B is the answer. The text suggests that their religious practices were polytheistic and centered around the worship of various deities.
#5. What did the Phoenicians contribute to the development of modern scripts?
A is the answer. The text mentions that the Phoenicians developed an alphabet that had a significant influence on other cultures and shaped modern scripts.
#6. What period saw further advancements within the Phoenicians?
B is the answer. The text states that the transition from the Bronze Age to Iron Age saw further advancements within the Phoenician group.