As stated in Atlas of World History, “The first to extend their trade routes into the western Mediterranean were the Phoenicians” (82). The Phoenicians moved “…having migrated to the Mediterranean and settled in the parts which they now inhabit…” (Herodotus) from their homeland of Canaan to what would be “the coasts of present-day Lebanon, Syria, and Israel” (Phoenicians Establish Trade). Around the 11th century, the Phoenicians began to focus on perfecting and changing their boat-making abilities, so that the boats they created would be able to brave the untamed Mediterranean. The boats made by the Phoenicians were nothing like anything previously seen in societies before. Unlike the poorly crafted rafts used to transport goods beforehand, the Phoenician boats were large, fortified, and able to withstand the harsh conditions of sailing in deep waters. These boats were crafted in such a way that the pieces fit perfectly together, and were not able to be taken apart (Ancient Phoenician Ships). As they were the only society with such ships, it was easy to become the main tradespeople of the Mediterranean. Within a five-hundred year span, the Phoenicians set up major ports along the coast. These ports included Carthage, and Leptis. These ports became very successful and led to “greater access to Western European regions, including areas in present-day Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Northern trade routes along the coast of Asia Minor connected this area with Greece” (Phoenicians Establish
As stated in Atlas of World History, “The first to extend their trade routes into the western Mediterranean were the Phoenicians” (82). The Phoenicians moved “…having migrated to the Mediterranean and settled in the parts which they now inhabit…” (Herodotus) from their homeland of Canaan to what would be “the coasts of present-day Lebanon, Syria, and Israel” (Phoenicians Establish Trade). Around the 11th century, the Phoenicians began to focus on perfecting and changing their boat-making abilities, so that the boats they created would be able to brave the untamed Mediterranean. The boats made by the Phoenicians were nothing like anything previously seen in societies before. Unlike the poorly crafted rafts used to transport goods beforehand, the Phoenician boats were large, fortified, and able to withstand the harsh conditions of sailing in deep waters. These boats were crafted in such a way that the pieces fit perfectly together, and were not able to be taken apart (Ancient Phoenician Ships). As they were the only society with such ships, it was easy to become the main tradespeople of the Mediterranean. Within a five-hundred year span, the Phoenicians set up major ports along the coast. These ports included Carthage, and Leptis. These ports became very successful and led to “greater access to Western European regions, including areas in present-day Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Northern trade routes along the coast of Asia Minor connected this area with Greece” (Phoenicians Establish