The ancient Phoenicians have been somewhat of an enigma to scholars. The Phoenicians left little in written records for posterity and their origins and post cultural phases are open to debate among scholars. What is known about the Phoenicians is that they spoke a Semitic language and their culture probably originated in Lebanon more than 3,000 years ago. The Phoenicians were not content living in a small area as they colonized areas of North Africa and the Middle East establishing themselves as merchants and excellent seaman.

     The Phoenicians were in a good position geographically in the ancient world to set up an efficient trade system. Being centrally located, the Phoenicians were able to get commodities from as far away as India, and did considerable trade with the Egyptians. The Phoenicians would get items such as linen, ivory, and papyrus from the Egyptians and in return the Egyptians would get dyes and other eastern commodities from the Phoenicians. Trade between the Egyptians and Phoenicians was most prolific at the height of the Phoenician culture, which was around 1,000 B.C.

    The Phoenician interaction with ancient Egypt appears for the most part to be harmonious, but as stated previously not all is known about the Phoenicians. The Phoenicians called themselves Cannanites, which meant red in their language. Some scholars believe that the name has something to do with the color of the soils of Lebanon, but others believe it refers to the color of their hair. I personally believe that it does refer to their hair, as the Phoenicians colonized what is present-day Libya, Libyans in the ancient world were known for fair complexions and light colored hair.

    As soon as the Phoenicians colonized Libya, their descendents began to interact heavily with the Egyptians. The first Late Period of ancient Egypt was influenced greatly by Egyptians of Libyan decent and Libyan kings ruled the 22nd and 23rd dynasties. For all intents and purposes the Libyans became assimilated Egyptians and tried to carry on aspects of Egyptian culture. Sheshonq I was the first Libyan king and the rule of Libyans lasted for over 200 years in Egypt. The last great gasp of Libyan dominance in ancient Egypt came when Shoshenk led an Egyptian invasion of Judah, after that Libyan influence in ancient Egypt greatly declined.

    When trying to understand the scope of Phoenician interaction with ancient Egypt one must look at it in two ways. The first way is to try to understand, difficult as it may be, who the Phoenicians were: their merchant activities and trade with many people including the Egyptians, and their colonization of the ancient world. The Phoenician's descendents became a part of ancient Egypt and greatly influenced its history in the first Late Period.

             Assyrians

Phoenicians

Hittites

Minoans

Babylonians

Persians

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