The Phoenicians lived and occupied an area on the coast of Lebanon. The area was long and narrow. There were many ports located directly on the sea. There were several natural harbors as well. The harbors were known as Tyre, Byblos (aka Gebal), Sidon, Beyrutus and Arvad. History stated that the Phoenicians were perhaps one of the best merchant seafarers of the ancient world. They sent numerous ships across the Mediterranean Sea. They knew the day in and day out work of this costal industry. The Phoenicians traveled along the Mediterranean Sea basin planting colonies and settlements. Some of the exports that were shipped included oils, wine, and grain. They also exported the highly desirable and prized purple dye extracted from
