1. THE ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN
EARLY STATE STRUCTURES

2. THE PHOENICIANS The Phoenicians Phoenicians were famous merchants
Lived between the Mediterranean and mountains of Lebanon
Composed of city-states who were rivals: Tyre, Sidon, Byblos
Local government was led by king; aristocratic oligarchies
Turned to industry and trade because of their meager lands
By 2500 B.C.E., dominated trade in the Mediterranean basin
Established colonies in Cyprus, Sicily, Spain, north Africa
Culturally they were part of the Mesopotamian/Cuneiform world
Phoenicians were famous merchants
“Let the buyer beware” was Greek phrase about the Phoenicians
Specialized in purple dye, purple cloth, silver, gold
Carried goods of other peoples to distant lands
Carthage
The chief Phoenician colony in North Africa was Carthage
Eventually became chief Phoenician city due to trade
An aristocratic republic run as an oligarchy.
Wealth based on trade; came to rule Spain, Sardinia
Army was build of mercenaries; navy was major war machine

3. PHOENICIAN MEDITERRANEAN

4. ETRUSCANS Etruscan City-States The Etruscans
Probably migrated from Anatolia
Conquered local peoples
Formed ruling aristocracy
Dominated Italy from 8th to 5th centuries B.C.E.
Expanded into Po River and South to Greeks
Created first local civilization in Italy
Etruscan City-States
12 leading city-states
Were constantly at war
Politically similar to Greek society
Favored kings with aristocratic oligarchy
Etruscan Society
Agriculture was very important
Dominated trade in area; traded with Greeks
Women seem to have had some rights in society
Borrowed Greek alphabet; invented arch
Religion was dark polytheism, superstitious

5. ETRUSCAN WORLD

6. EARLY ROMAN STATE The early kingdom of Rome: 753 – 509 BCE
A small state arose of the Tiber River
Legendary founders = Romulus and Remus
People were Italics of the Latin tribe
State was a kingdom with an Etruscan king
Local Roman aristocracy resented Etruscan ruling style
Expanded slowly and quietly for around 200 years
Easy access to the Mediterranean
Trade routes led through Rome
Traded with Greeks, Etruscans, Carthaginians and Kelts
Society
Agriculture, warfare were typical
Society dominated by aristocracy called patricians
Religion borrowed heavily from Greeks, Etruscans

7. EARLY ROMAN WORLD