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The Phoenicians: everything you wanted to know

The Phoenicians: everything you wanted to know

Josephine Quinn shines a light on the peoples of the ancient Mediterranean, who – despite leaving an extraordinary legacy – have been relatively overlooked in history

Emily Briffett

Published: September 14, 2025 at 8:00 AM

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They gave us the alphabet, charted the seas by the Pole Star, and built Carthage – once Rome’s greatest rival. So why have the Phoenicians been forgotten? Speaking to Emily Briffett, historian Josephine Quinn explores the story of these ancient seafarers, traders and city-builders who connected the cities surrounding the Mediterranean – and left an extraordinary legacy – long before Greece and Rome rose to power.

Authors

Emily BriffettSenior content producer (podcasts)

Emily Briffett is senior content producer (podcasts) at HistoryExtra