Phoenician (noun)

A member of the ancient Semitic people who inhabited the coastal regions of the eastern Mediterranean and established a major trading empire from the 15th to the 5th century BCE.

Origin:

The word 'phoenician' is derived from the ancient greek word 'phoinikes', which means 'red-purple people' in reference to the famous purple dye produced by the phoenicians. the phoenician civilization dates back to the 12th century bce.

Examples:

1. The Phoenicians were known for their maritime trade and for spreading the use of the alphabet throughout the Mediterranean.
2. The Phoenician city of Tyre was one of the most important trade centers in the ancient world.
3. The Phoenician religion was polytheistic and centered around the worship of a pantheon of gods.
4. The Phoenician influence can still be seen in modern times, as many of the alphabets used around the world today were derived from the Phoenician alphabet.
5. The Phoenician cities of Sidon and Byblos were some of the earliest centers of the purple dye industry.