15 Mind-Blowing Facts About the Phoenicians You Never Knew
The debate about our Phoenician ancestry is still quite active. The Phoenicians left a significant mark in history and it was all done while based in modern-day Lebanon. They have also left their influence in the world that is still alive to date in various fields.
With more and more DNA results proving a strong Lebanese link to Phoenicia , you should know more about their accomplishments.
#1 People have been living in Byblos, a Phoenician city, for over 7000 years
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Making it the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
#2 Phoenicians invented the alphabet
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The Phoenicians invented the original alphabet, which consisted of 22 letters. The Greeks later adopted it and added 4 more, all of which we use today.
#3 Well, the Phoenicians actually invented the numbers
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The Phoenicians invented numbers that look like what we call the "Roman Numerals" today. They created the alphabet and number system for the sole purpose of being able to record information about their trades.
#4 Phoenicians reached the Americas before Christopher Colombus
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There is evidence that proves the presence of the Phoenicians in modern-day America - before Christopher Colombus discovered it.
#5 Phoenicians invented the purple color
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It was extremely expensive and time-consuming to produce the purple color. Only the very wealthy were able to afford it. That is why the purple color has long been associated with royalty
#6 Phoenicians were the first to accept Christianity
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Some studies suggest they became Christians before the Jews even converted. Saint Peter took his first headquarters in the Phoenician city of Byblos , the first unofficial yet factual Vatican, and opened the first discipleship school.
#7 'Phoenicianism' is a form of Lebanese nationalism today
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Phoenicianism is the belief that Lebanese are of Phoenician descent and not of Arab descent. Did you know there's a party/movement called the United Phoenician Party in Lebanon? We just found out.
#8 Pythagoras was Phoenician
Pythagoras -The School of Athens' fresco by Raffaello
Much like most Lebanese today, Pythagoras was born abroad (Samos) to a Phoenician father from Tyre . I know we're not a big fan of mathematics, but we should still accept him as one of our own.. after all, he was quite the genius.
#9 Phoenicians supplied the Cedar trees for King Solomon's temple and built it themselves
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The famous story in the Bible of King Solomon using our cedar trees to build his temple in Jerusalem. Check it out .
#10 Phoenicia grew into a great civilization without engaging in war