Phoenician Trade Routes and Colonies in the Mediterranean (1500-300 BC)
The Masters of the Mediterranean
This historical map illustrates the extensive maritime network established by the Phoenicians between 1500 and 300 BC. Originating from the Levantine coast, the map highlights their ancestral homeland cities of Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos. These powerful city-states became the epicenter of ancient navigation, driving an era of unprecedented commercial expansion across the "Great Sea," rendered here with ancient-style coastlines and decorative Phoenician script elements.
Colonial Expansion Westward
Driven by the search for resources and markets, Phoenician mariners established strategic settlements far from home. The map marks major colonies that grew into dominant powers, most notably the mighty city of Carthage in North Africa. It also shows crucial outposts like Cadiz (Gadir) beyond the Pillars of Hercules in Iberia, and Palermo in Sicily, demonstrating the vast reach of their influence across the Mediterranean basin.
A Network of Commodities
The distinct trade routes depicted visualize the flow of highly valued goods that fueled ancient economies. The map traces long-distance commerce for precious tin from the Atlantic, the famous Tyrian purple dye derived from sea snails, prized Lebanese cedar wood used for shipbuilding and temples, and intricate glass wares. This complex web of commerce connected diverse cultures and solidified the Phoenicians' legacy as the premier merchants of antiquity.
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