Phoenician Shipbuilding

Abigail A.

The Phoenicians were a maritime civilization within the Fertile Crescent that held power from 1550-300 B.C.E (Department). Although they were located within the Fertile Crescent, they were on the coast. This meant that they didn’t have arable land for farming. Due to the lack of farming ability, the Phoenicians heavily relied on trading for goods. Trading through the water would allow them to obtain a variety of goods and relationships with other civilizations, so the Phoenicians developed ways to build ships.

This image shows the mortise-and- tenon technique used by the Phoenicians to link the hull and other parts of ships together.

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How Was Shipbuilding Made?

Phoenician ships were all made using specific techniques. The Phoenicians had three ships styles with specialized uses. The first type was a warship, the second a ship for trade and transport, and the third was a smaller ship for trade (Cartwright - The Phoenicians). They also used techniques such as the pegged mortise-and-tenon joint system, building around the hull of the ship, and inventing the braided rig.

What Impact Did Shipbuilding Have on the Fertile Crescent?

Much of the Phoenician civilization was based upon travelling and trading via ships. The use of ships for trade allowed outposts to develop into permanent settlements (Cartwright - Trade). Through these ships, the Phoenicians were able to trade across far distances for a variety of goods (Elshiakh). With this ability, the Phoenicians established trading routes that connected civilizations together. Phoenicians held great influence in the trading world due to the multitude of benefits from trade (Cartwright - Trade).

How Did Shipbuilding Impact Later Civilizations?

Phoenician shipbuilding revolutionized the ancient world and later impacted the development of other civilizations. The usage of ships started early with the Phoenicians and has gradually changed and improved since the first civilization’s usage of ships. Ships now are used for many of the same purposes as when they were newly invented, however the technology within them is entirely different and more advanced. Today’s society has the Phoenicians to thank for the ability to transport people and goods across large distances.

This image depicts carvings of Phoenician ships hauling timber (one of many items they traded) along a river.

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What Makes Shipbuilding Historically Important?

Through building ships, the Phoenicians prompted many advances in society. They were able to create trade networks that lasted many lifetimes, cultural spread which created diverse ideas in society, and technological advancements within the time of the Phoenicians and much long after, too. Through this, the ships made by the Phoenicians have impacted the ways of life for over 2300 years (Elshiakh).

Interested in additional information?

New Perspectives on Phoenician Sailing: This website from The Met provides information on the development of culture during the time of the Phoenicians. It also provides an explanation for how the Phoenicians are studied and the connections they made with other civilizations in the ancient world.
Phoenicians: Masters of the Sea - This research project website provides information on the Phoenician name, type of society, and culture. These aspects are still being discovered by historians and this project represents how historians are studying the ancient maritime civilization.
First Rulers of the Mediterranean - This website provides useful information on the main aspects of Phoenician civilization. Along with these points, there are good pictures that represent each idea for better understanding of Phoenician civilization.
A Brief History of the Phoenicians - This video provides an overview of the Phoenicians civilization from the start of their power, to the peak, and follows through to the end of their power.

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