How Is Hebrews Similar To The Phoenicians

Both the Hebrews and the Phoenicians were highly advanced groups of people. They are similar to each other in that they both made their home in the region of Canaan on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, they had an analogous alphabet-based writing system, and ultimately the two were overtaken by the Romans circa 533 BCE. But, much more identifiable is the Phoenicians and the Hebrews differences. The Phoenicians were brilliant seafaring navigators who had an aptitude towards trade, shipbuilding and crafting. They were polytheistic and they were highly accomplished in ship design, navigation and urban design. In contrast to the Phoenicians, the Hebrews were land based, nomadic herders. They are perceived by historians to be the earliest

group of people to practice monotheism. Their achievements include creating the idea of social justice, writing the five books of Moses, (otherwise known as the Torah) and the Ten Commandments. Focusing on the groups’ similarities, The Hebrews started the growth of their civilization at approximately 1900 BCE. At around the same time Phoenician city-states were beginning to settle. Both groups settled in the region of Canaan on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. The Phoenicians began to quickly build a vast empire that stretched across the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean. They mastered the skill of trading as their empire grew, but time was as valuable in the ancient world as it is in the modern world. Phoenician traders worked to develop a simplified writing system to make trade quicker and more efficient. The Phoenicians invented a 22 symbol sound based writing system moving away from picture symbols. According to many historians, the Hebrews had a similar alphabet. This is believed to be because the Hebrews adapted the Phoenician alphabet and used it to communicate. Without each of their contributions to and adaptation of the alphabet it would have never evolved into what it is today.
Although the Hebrews and the Phoenicians had many similarities their differences were more significant.

The Phoenicians are known for being daring sailors who showed expertise in trading with other civilizations. The Phoenicians used the only resource they had an abundance of, cedar, to become master ship builders. They also showed skills in artistic ventures such as metal working, glass blowing and sculpting. Conversely, the Hebrews were land-based nomadic farmers who herded sheep, goats and cattle. Similar to many civilizations in the ancient world, the Phoenicians were polytheistic meaning they believed in many gods. Their beliefs centered on nature based gods; being sailors they looked to the gods to influence nature - something they could not control. Whereas the Hebrews were the first ancient civilization to practice monotheism. This means they believed in a singular all-powerful, all-knowing, god named Yahweh. Among the main achievements of the Phoenicians was utilizing their seafaring expertise to be the first to navigate across the Mediterranean Sea, past the Pillars of Hercules. This allowed them to trade with countries in the Atlantic Ocean. Just as significant is the creation of the alphabet. This writing system using 22 letters based in sounds allowed them to trade with many civilizations. Also, the Phoenicians excelled in urban design mostly known for building the impressive two port system of Carthage and Solomon’s Temple, the last king of the Hebrews. One of the many accomplishments of the Hebrews includes being the first group to practice monotheism. They also created social justice, believing that people should act like God who was right and just. Additionally the Hebrews are said to be the first people to deliver the word of God via Moses and the Ten Commandments. This became a guiding factor for

Christianity.
The Phoenicians and Hebrews made a significant imprint in the ancient world which is felt today. The creative and strategic occupations of Phoenicians can still be seen as useful in the modern world. The religious system of the Hebrews has endured and is currently in practice all around the world. Without the influences of these two resourceful and advanced groups modern day society would look vastly different.