Recent archaeological and genetic discoveries reconstruct the understanding of ancient Phoenicians, revealing a civilization characterized by cultural integration and extensive maritime networks rather than large-scale migration.
A groundbreaking genetic study published in Nature analyzed genome-wide data from 210 individuals in Phoenician and ponic sites in the Levant, North Africa, Iberia and the Mediterranean Islands.
Contrary to the traditional belief that Phoenician culture spread through large-scale migration from the Levant, this study found that the population of ponics exhibited a highly heterogeneous genetic profile.
Important ancestors from the North African, Sicily and Aegean regions were observed, with few surprising direct genetic inputs from the Levanting Phoenicians.
This diversity highlights the cosmopolitan nature of a ponic society, shaped by trade, marriage and population movements.
Further insights are available from mitochondrial DNA analysis of ancient sites in Sardinia and Lebanon.
These studies revealed evidence of integration between Phoenicians and Indigenous peoples, as well as women's movements across the region.
Some lineages of the mitochondrial lineage in Sardinia and Lebanon suggest women's movements from the Near East or North Africa to Sardinia, and the vice versa, indicating that migration and cultural assimilation are common occurrences.
Archaeological findings complement these genetic studies.
The recent rescue of Mazaron II, a Phoenician shipwreck two to six hundred years ago off the southeast coast of Spain, offers a rare glimpse into the construction of the ancient navy.
The 8.10 metres long and 2.25 metres wide ship offers valuable insight into the Phoenician shipbuilding heritage.
Furthermore, the discovery of Lebanon's wine presses 2,600 years ago shines a light on ancient winemaking techniques and techniques.
In an incredible state of preservation, the site highlights the role of Phoenicians as early wine traders and influencers, confirming the innovative traditions of winemaking.
Collectively, these findings challenge the view as a process driven by colonization to a long-standing view of Phoenician expansion.
Phoenicians' maritime domination was heavily influenced by their ability to assimilate and interact with the diverse cultures of the Mediterranean.
