Phoenicia was a major influence in the world from about 1000–300 BCE even though it was often under the control of foreign natio
ns. Assyria invaded Phoenicia in the 800s BCE and controlled the region for about a hundred years. This changed when Assyria was conquered by Babylonia, and it changed again when Babylonia was conquered by Persia. Although Phoenicia had been controlled by three different empires, it maintained its influence in the world until Alexander the Great invaded. By 300 BCE, Greek culture had taken hold of the region and removed Phoenician identity. How were the Phoenicians able to maintain their influence after being conquered by different empires? A. Empires that invaded Phoenicia did not want any control of the region. B. Empires that invaded Phoenicia shared the same culture as the Phoenicians. C. Phoenicians continued trading even when they were not independent. D. Phoenicians controlled politics in the empires that had invaded them.
The correct answer is C. Phoenicians continued trading even when they were not independent.
The Phoenicians are considered the great merchants of ancient times. Located in the Syrian coast, they had good sea access and occupied the Mediterranean area. This meant that under the control of any empire, their economy and moving gear would still be trading and sailing. Since trading has great impact on economy and society, it kept the Phoenicians influential.
