Ancient World

In Search of the Phoenicians

Who were the ancient Phoenicians—and did they actually exist?

Paperback

Price:
$24.95/£20.00
ISBN:
Published:
Dec 10, 2019
Pages:
368
Size:
6.14 x 9.25 in.
Illus:
75 b/w illus. 11 maps.
Main_subject:
Ancient World
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The Phoenicians traveled the Mediterranean long before the Greeks and Romans, trading, establishing settlements, and refining the art of navigation. But who these legendary sailors really were has long remained a mystery. In Search of the Phoenicians makes the startling claim that the “Phoenicians” never actually existed as such. Taking readers from the ancient world to today, this book argues that the notion of these sailors as a coherent people with a shared identity, history, and culture is a product of modern nationalist ideologies—and a notion very much at odds with the ancient sources.

All at sea: The maritime lives of the ancient Phoenicians


Awards and Recognition

  • Winner of the Charles J. Goodwin Award of Merit, Society for Classical Studies