# Phoenicia, Syrophoenician ## Facts: In ancient times, Phoenicia was a wealthy nation located in Canaan along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, north of Israel. * Phoenicia occupied an area of land that was in the western region of what is the present-day country of Lebanon. * In New Testament times, the capital of Phoenicia was Tyre. Another important Phoenician city was Sidon. Phoenicia was near Syria, so people from that area were called "Syrophoenician." * Phoenicians were well-known for their woodworking skills using their country's plentiful cedar trees, for their production of a costly purple dye, and for their ability to travel and trade by sea. They were also highly skilled boat builders. * One of the earliest alphabets was created by the Phoenician people. Their alphabet was widely used because of their contact with many people groups through trading. (Translation suggestions: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names]]) (See also: [cedar](../other/cedar.md), [purple](../other/purple.md), [Sidon](../names/sidon.md), [Tyre](../names/tyre.md)) ## Bible References: * [Acts 11:19-21](rc://en/tn/help/act/11/19) * [Acts 15:3-4](rc://en/tn/help/act/15/03) * [Acts 21:02](rc://en/tn/help/act/21/02) * [Isaiah 23:10-12](rc://en/tn/help/isa/23/10) ## Word Data: * Strong's: H3667, G4949, G5403