Human Heritage: A World History

"Phoenician Ships"

Introduction
The Phoenicians were the best seamen and shipbuilders of the ancient world. They started out as coastal traders. Over time, they became widely traveled merchant shippers who controlled the trade of the Mediterranean. The Phoenicians’ reliance on trade affected the types of ships they created. To learn more about different types of Phoenician ships and their use in battle, go to the Phoenician Ships Web site.

Destination Title: Phoenician Ships
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Directions
Start at the Phoenician Ships Web site.

• Read the essay, being sure to take notes as you go. Apply what you learn to answer the following questions.

1			How did Phoenician ships differ from Egyptian ships?
2			What was the important feature of the “round boat”?
3			Which Phoenician ship became the leading warship in the 8th century B.C.?
4			Which battle was one of the first great naval battles in recorded history and in which a Greek fleet defeated a much larger Persian force?
5			After looking at the various drawings of Phoenician ships on the Web site, design your own merchant or war ship using characteristics of the Phoenician ships. Display your designs around the classroom.