The Phoenicians relied on imports and exports due to two main geographical characteristics:
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Limited Arable Land: The Phoenician homeland, located along the eastern Mediterranean coast (modern-day Lebanon and parts of Syria and Israel), had mountainous terrain and very limited agricultural land. This scarcity of fertile land made it difficult for them to produce enough food for their population, leading them to import agricultural products.
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Strategic Maritime Location: The Phoenicians were situated along key trade routes in the Mediterranean Sea. Their access to the sea allowed them to develop a strong maritime trade network, making them adept at exporting goods such as purple dye, glass, and metalwork, while also importing raw materials and agricultural products from other regions.
These factors contributed to the Phoenicians becoming prominent traders and seafarers in the ancient world.
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