The Phoenicians and Greeks shared many cultural similarities despite coming from different backgrounds. Both cultures were composed of independent city-states, each with their own government and patron deity. They were also both skilled seafarers who established overseas trading colonies. However, some key differences were that Greek city-states could unite their armies while Phoenician cities struggled against larger powers, and their styles of dress differed. Overall, both cultures had a significant impact on Western civilization.

1. Joshua DuWors
Period 5
08/03/11
Phoenicians ~vs~ Greeks
The Phoenicians and the Greeks came from completely different backgrounds, yet are
so similar, you can't help but think they're related. Their cultures, expansionists ideas, and
beliefs all had the same general flavor to them.
Both cultures were divided into small countries called city-states. Each city-state
worshiped one patron deity, with a temple or shine in or near the middle of the city. Also, each
city-state had their own individual governments (monarchies, oligarchies, even the first
democracy), to control the city-state's populace and to regulate trading transactions.
The Greeks and the Phoenicians would not have had those transactions, had they net
been among the best seamen in the Ancient World. Both civilizations knew how to navigate
using Polaris. They had powerful navies of Triremes to defend their ports,their profit out in
sea, and their colony ships that left for new lands.
These ships established trading posts along the Mediterranean coast. Some of these
colonies, such as Carthage (Phoenicians) and Syracuse (Greeks), became very powerful
states. All these colonies helped spread Greek/Phoenician culture throughout the
Mediterranean.
Both The Greeks and the Phoenicians' belief system were very similar, as well. The
Greeks believed that the gods were in every aspect in nature. There was no sin unless you
displeased the gods. The Phoenicians believed that their gods resided in various parts of
nature, as well. The gods can bring you good luck or bad luck. However, they also believed
that their were other sins than displeasing the gods, unlike the Greeks.

2. Despite all these similarities, there are a few differences that stand out between the
Greeks and the Phoenicians. First, Greece's city-states were able to unite their armies and to
successfully stand up to superpowers like Persia. Phoenician city-states, on the other hand,
either sent envoys and paid ransoms to prevent their respective city's destruction, or they
tried to revolt and were crushed in the process.
Their clothing was very separate in appearance, as well. The Greeks wore a chiton, up
to the knee for guys, to the ankles for girls. Phoenician mens clothes were in two parts. One,
the Tunic, a tight fitting under-garment that was made in one piece, with no seams. Then, the
Mantle, a piece of square cloth that was loose enough to be placed around the body, with a
fold that could be made to protect the head. For women, they wore a dress that was as
decorated as the wearer could afford.
In spite of these differences, the Greeks and the Phoenicians are very much alike.
They both made some of the greatest advances of their time, such as the creation of
philosophy, the alphabet, and the railroad, just to name a few. They had such an impact on
Western Civilization, it is still felt today in our own culture , as in our architecture, our forms of
government, and our beliefs. Don't expect that to change in a long time.

4. Works Cited
"A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO OUR HOLY LAND: LEBANON."
http://www.mountlebanon.org/histphoenicians.html. mountlebanon, N/A. Web. 9 Mar 2011.
"Greek alphabet (Ελληνικό αλφάβητο)."
http://www.omniglot.com/writing/greek.htm. Omniglot, 1998. Web. 9 Mar 2011.
Sarkis, Dr. Hassan. "Editorials Contributing Writers Dr. Hassan Sarkis The
“Canaanite-Phoenician” city-states The “Canaanite-Phoenician” city-states."
http://www.information-international.com/info/index.php/editorials/contributing-
writers/dr-hassan-sarkis/365-the-canaanite-phoenician-city-states. Information
iInternational, 2009. Web. 9 Mar 2011.
Clothing of the Phoenicians." http://www.oldandsold.com. Old and Sold, 1928.
Web. 29 Mar 2011.