Post by Freedom on Oct 11, 2009 12:56:53 GMT -5
phoenicia.org/index.shtml
NHT B KNON = Peace of Canaan, Click to view large image with details Peace of Canaan
"Upon the Tsurian sea the people live
Who style themselves Phoenicians...
These were the first great founders of the world --
Founders of cities and of mighty states --
Who showed a path through seas before unknown.
In the first ages, when the sons of men
Knew not which way to turn them, they assigned
To each his first department; they bestowed
Of land a portion and of sea a lot,
And sent each wandering tribe far off to share
A different soil and climate. Hence arose
The great diversity, so plainly seen,
'Mid nations widely severed."
-- Dyonysius of Susiana, A.D. 3
Philosopher Zeno's epitaph: "Is it not enough for you to be proud that you have come from Phoenicia?"
Mission Statement
This site contains an anthology and encyclopedic reference of Phoenicia and its people (please see Introduction: Summary). Beginning with the original Canaanite Phoenicians and the various ethnic groups who intermarried with them over thousands of years. Though the main stock of these people is Canaanite, they also include others who were assimilated by choice or invasion. Hence, people like the Philistines, Assyrians, Macedonians, Mesopotamian, Persian, Greeks, Romans, Syriacs, Byzantines ...etc. who settled in Phoenicia or its colonies and called them their home are included in this scope. The site is not meant to be nationalistic but attempts to identify the said people's contribution to the ancient and modern world.
Approach to History
In writing this history, I tried to be open to new and sometimes controversial subjects; hence, some sections may contradict others in this site, or contain quasi archaeology. However, I won't tolerate blatantly outrageous claims. I categorically affirm that I have NO political, religious or ethnic agenda in promoting and disseminating information about my Phoenician Canaanites ancestors. Suggestions of nationalism, fanaticism or political propaganda are emphatically rejected.
Phoenicia Died Out Misinformation
A number of historians ignorantly claim that Phoenicia ceased to exist in 64 BC, when it became part of the Roman world. However, official records indicate that in 425 AD Phoenicia Prima was subdivided into two provinces, Phoenicia Maritima and Phoenicia Libanensis by the Romans. Further, excavations of at Tel Kadesh (158 BC) in Israel as well as the witness of Saint Augustine (400 AD), Church Councils of Tyre (449 & 515 AD), the Fall of Phoenicia to the Arabs (640 AD) and the honorary living title "Metropolitan Archbishop of Phoenicia Maritima" which Lebanese bishops continue to carry today (see page with translation -- MP3 Byzantine psaltica chants: Bishop of Beirut & Bishop of Tripoli) are a few of many solid proofs that Phoenicia and its people live on despite the misinformation.
Religious books & history
There is some history in the Bible, Torah, apocrypha & other religious writings, but using any of these books for historical research and discussions is unacceptable. I am a Christian and do respect the Bible as a book of faith not history. Holy books and their mythological stories are unreliable historical sources; however, some historical outlines may be used in very limited terms. So-called proofs of historical or genealogical significance based on all books of faith are respectfully rejected. Those who are displeased with my statements on these books are invited to leave this site immediately -- no discussions. Heretical Evangelicals a.k.a. Fundamentalist Christians, conservative Catholics, Jews or Muslims, consider yourselves duly warned that you will be severely dealt with, if you do not stop badgering me with your related impudent e-mails. You may not question my opinion on the didactic but non-literal interpretation of holy books.
The Semites
Bible fanatics continue to shamefully write to me on the Phoenicians being the "cursed" descendent of Shem using the Bible as supporting "evidence." This claim is completely unfounded. The term Semites is applied to a group of people who inhabited the Levant and spoke similar languages but were not necessarily of the same or identical ethnic origin -- Arabs, Israelis, Phoenicians, Arameans, Syriac ...etc. The expression is derived from the mythical Biblical "table" of nations & the descendants of the fictional character Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham or Japheth. The term Semite does not have any historical origin. It came into use at the end of the 18th century* & thereafter became a standard technical term. Like many other common mistakes -- such as lumping all the peoples of the Middle East into one pan-Arab group -- the term Semite was adopted & used without denoting true ethnicity. The same applies to Hamites & Japhethites.
________________
* The term Semite was proposed at first for the languages related to the Hebrew by Ludwig Schlözer, in Eichhorn's "Repertorium", vol. VIII (Leipzig, 1781), p. 161. Through Eichhorn the name then came into general usage (cf. his "Einleitung in das Alte Testament" (Leipzig, 1787), I, p. 45. In his "Gesch. der neuen Sprachenkunde", pt. I (Göttingen, 1807) it had already become a fixed technical term. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIII
For Stifling Phoenician History, I Accuse:
Eurocentrism, Judeocentrism, Arabists and Fundamentalist Christians
It became evident to me during my research that various forces impacted almost all Phoenician/Canaanite subjects. In short, I found that historians and archaeologists were predominantly inclined to Eurocentrism (especially Hellenistic supremacist who think that the Greeks had exclusive access to knowledge) or Judeocentrism. Specifically, Phoenician thinkers were ignored and their work credited to the Greeks, Romans or Israelites.
N.B. The red-highlighted "formulae" are to be applied to all the paragraphs that follow though they don't negate racial intermarriages. Comments or correspondence regarding these points are regretfully not open for discussion. ABUSE of open dialogue has made this measure necessary. All other subjects are, of course, open for discussions.
Phoenicians are not Arabs, Israelis, or sub-Saharan (black) Africans;
Canaanites are Phoenician Canaanites, Punic (North African & Spain Phoenicians)
On the other hand, minimalists/nihilists (as referred to by Biblical Archaeologists) dismiss the 5 books of Moses and with them the exile in Egypt of Israelites, Exodus...etc as nothing but fiction written later than 1000 BC. With that they dismiss the existence of Kings David and Solomon. Their position is considered anti-Semitic by some; and they claim that the Israelites were actually Canaanites themselves. By doing that they confuse Phoenician Canaanite history with Israeli history (see the page entitled "Stealing"). The same is further aggravated by some fundamentalist Christian's British Israelism and the confusion over equating Dan, the lost tribe of Israel, with the Phoenicians, not to mention the preposterous fiction that is taught by the LDS Mormons or Anti-Semites.
Roman Bad Press, Bible Writers, and Fanatics
Also, anti-Phoenician sentiments were the result of bad press by Roman historians, particularly after the Punic wars, and Jewish zealotism and hate of Phoenician religion by Bible writers. This was particularly so because of the infestation of pagan worship in the religion of the Israel caused by Queen Jezebel of Israel (a Phoenician Princess). Fundamentalist obsession with the literal interpretation of their religious book or political fanaticism of others with various agenda cloud the truth.
Arab nationalists' antagonism of Phoeniciology & their "Phoenician Complex"
Many of various religious backgrounds from Arab countries, especially Lebanon and Levant pan-Arabists or fanatical pan-Islamists simply cannot tolerate the mention of the Phoenicians coupleor their descendent in the modern world. They assume such a mention has political and religious overtones. However, Phoenician blood runs through their own veins themselves and most people in the region -- Phoenician does not mean Maronite Christian only, something which nobody claims but which Arabists assume. Further, there is no reason for those aforementioned who suffer from this Phoenician Complex to deny their heritage. Such people have no shame and are fools to ignore their great heritage. Many other people from the Lebanon, Levant and western Mediterranean, including European and North African Muslim, Arab countries proudly accept Phoenician as their heritage and ancestry. (my witnesses testify to this effect on the Tunisia and the Am I? testimonial pages). Canaanite Phoenicians pre-date the Arabs, anyway. For a resounding answer "No; we are not Arabs!" follow the link.
Afrocentrism
Afrocentrism is not without blame in smothering Phoenician contribution to the ancient world. Many historians and archaeologists of that persuasion claim that the Phoenicians Canaanites themselves were sub-Saharan African based on unscientific Biblical myths or some unfounded claims. They claim that the Canaanites were Hamites or associate the Punic with native aboriginal North Africans, while the latter and/or Berber are not even sub-Saharan blacks. They, therefore, deny the Canaanites their rightful place in history. Phoenicians of the Eastern Mediterranean or the Western Mediterranean (such as famous Hannibal or the Phoenicians of Carthage, Spain, Portugal, Sicily ...etc.), the Punic, were Semitic speaking Mediterraneans.*
NHT B KNON = Peace of Canaan, Click to view large image with details Peace of Canaan
"Upon the Tsurian sea the people live
Who style themselves Phoenicians...
These were the first great founders of the world --
Founders of cities and of mighty states --
Who showed a path through seas before unknown.
In the first ages, when the sons of men
Knew not which way to turn them, they assigned
To each his first department; they bestowed
Of land a portion and of sea a lot,
And sent each wandering tribe far off to share
A different soil and climate. Hence arose
The great diversity, so plainly seen,
'Mid nations widely severed."
-- Dyonysius of Susiana, A.D. 3
Philosopher Zeno's epitaph: "Is it not enough for you to be proud that you have come from Phoenicia?"
Mission Statement
This site contains an anthology and encyclopedic reference of Phoenicia and its people (please see Introduction: Summary). Beginning with the original Canaanite Phoenicians and the various ethnic groups who intermarried with them over thousands of years. Though the main stock of these people is Canaanite, they also include others who were assimilated by choice or invasion. Hence, people like the Philistines, Assyrians, Macedonians, Mesopotamian, Persian, Greeks, Romans, Syriacs, Byzantines ...etc. who settled in Phoenicia or its colonies and called them their home are included in this scope. The site is not meant to be nationalistic but attempts to identify the said people's contribution to the ancient and modern world.
Approach to History
In writing this history, I tried to be open to new and sometimes controversial subjects; hence, some sections may contradict others in this site, or contain quasi archaeology. However, I won't tolerate blatantly outrageous claims. I categorically affirm that I have NO political, religious or ethnic agenda in promoting and disseminating information about my Phoenician Canaanites ancestors. Suggestions of nationalism, fanaticism or political propaganda are emphatically rejected.
Phoenicia Died Out Misinformation
A number of historians ignorantly claim that Phoenicia ceased to exist in 64 BC, when it became part of the Roman world. However, official records indicate that in 425 AD Phoenicia Prima was subdivided into two provinces, Phoenicia Maritima and Phoenicia Libanensis by the Romans. Further, excavations of at Tel Kadesh (158 BC) in Israel as well as the witness of Saint Augustine (400 AD), Church Councils of Tyre (449 & 515 AD), the Fall of Phoenicia to the Arabs (640 AD) and the honorary living title "Metropolitan Archbishop of Phoenicia Maritima" which Lebanese bishops continue to carry today (see page with translation -- MP3 Byzantine psaltica chants: Bishop of Beirut & Bishop of Tripoli) are a few of many solid proofs that Phoenicia and its people live on despite the misinformation.
Religious books & history
There is some history in the Bible, Torah, apocrypha & other religious writings, but using any of these books for historical research and discussions is unacceptable. I am a Christian and do respect the Bible as a book of faith not history. Holy books and their mythological stories are unreliable historical sources; however, some historical outlines may be used in very limited terms. So-called proofs of historical or genealogical significance based on all books of faith are respectfully rejected. Those who are displeased with my statements on these books are invited to leave this site immediately -- no discussions. Heretical Evangelicals a.k.a. Fundamentalist Christians, conservative Catholics, Jews or Muslims, consider yourselves duly warned that you will be severely dealt with, if you do not stop badgering me with your related impudent e-mails. You may not question my opinion on the didactic but non-literal interpretation of holy books.
The Semites
Bible fanatics continue to shamefully write to me on the Phoenicians being the "cursed" descendent of Shem using the Bible as supporting "evidence." This claim is completely unfounded. The term Semites is applied to a group of people who inhabited the Levant and spoke similar languages but were not necessarily of the same or identical ethnic origin -- Arabs, Israelis, Phoenicians, Arameans, Syriac ...etc. The expression is derived from the mythical Biblical "table" of nations & the descendants of the fictional character Noah and his sons, Shem, Ham or Japheth. The term Semite does not have any historical origin. It came into use at the end of the 18th century* & thereafter became a standard technical term. Like many other common mistakes -- such as lumping all the peoples of the Middle East into one pan-Arab group -- the term Semite was adopted & used without denoting true ethnicity. The same applies to Hamites & Japhethites.
________________
* The term Semite was proposed at first for the languages related to the Hebrew by Ludwig Schlözer, in Eichhorn's "Repertorium", vol. VIII (Leipzig, 1781), p. 161. Through Eichhorn the name then came into general usage (cf. his "Einleitung in das Alte Testament" (Leipzig, 1787), I, p. 45. In his "Gesch. der neuen Sprachenkunde", pt. I (Göttingen, 1807) it had already become a fixed technical term. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIII
For Stifling Phoenician History, I Accuse:
Eurocentrism, Judeocentrism, Arabists and Fundamentalist Christians
It became evident to me during my research that various forces impacted almost all Phoenician/Canaanite subjects. In short, I found that historians and archaeologists were predominantly inclined to Eurocentrism (especially Hellenistic supremacist who think that the Greeks had exclusive access to knowledge) or Judeocentrism. Specifically, Phoenician thinkers were ignored and their work credited to the Greeks, Romans or Israelites.
N.B. The red-highlighted "formulae" are to be applied to all the paragraphs that follow though they don't negate racial intermarriages. Comments or correspondence regarding these points are regretfully not open for discussion. ABUSE of open dialogue has made this measure necessary. All other subjects are, of course, open for discussions.
Phoenicians are not Arabs, Israelis, or sub-Saharan (black) Africans;
Canaanites are Phoenician Canaanites, Punic (North African & Spain Phoenicians)
On the other hand, minimalists/nihilists (as referred to by Biblical Archaeologists) dismiss the 5 books of Moses and with them the exile in Egypt of Israelites, Exodus...etc as nothing but fiction written later than 1000 BC. With that they dismiss the existence of Kings David and Solomon. Their position is considered anti-Semitic by some; and they claim that the Israelites were actually Canaanites themselves. By doing that they confuse Phoenician Canaanite history with Israeli history (see the page entitled "Stealing"). The same is further aggravated by some fundamentalist Christian's British Israelism and the confusion over equating Dan, the lost tribe of Israel, with the Phoenicians, not to mention the preposterous fiction that is taught by the LDS Mormons or Anti-Semites.
Roman Bad Press, Bible Writers, and Fanatics
Also, anti-Phoenician sentiments were the result of bad press by Roman historians, particularly after the Punic wars, and Jewish zealotism and hate of Phoenician religion by Bible writers. This was particularly so because of the infestation of pagan worship in the religion of the Israel caused by Queen Jezebel of Israel (a Phoenician Princess). Fundamentalist obsession with the literal interpretation of their religious book or political fanaticism of others with various agenda cloud the truth.
Arab nationalists' antagonism of Phoeniciology & their "Phoenician Complex"
Many of various religious backgrounds from Arab countries, especially Lebanon and Levant pan-Arabists or fanatical pan-Islamists simply cannot tolerate the mention of the Phoenicians coupleor their descendent in the modern world. They assume such a mention has political and religious overtones. However, Phoenician blood runs through their own veins themselves and most people in the region -- Phoenician does not mean Maronite Christian only, something which nobody claims but which Arabists assume. Further, there is no reason for those aforementioned who suffer from this Phoenician Complex to deny their heritage. Such people have no shame and are fools to ignore their great heritage. Many other people from the Lebanon, Levant and western Mediterranean, including European and North African Muslim, Arab countries proudly accept Phoenician as their heritage and ancestry. (my witnesses testify to this effect on the Tunisia and the Am I? testimonial pages). Canaanite Phoenicians pre-date the Arabs, anyway. For a resounding answer "No; we are not Arabs!" follow the link.
Afrocentrism
Afrocentrism is not without blame in smothering Phoenician contribution to the ancient world. Many historians and archaeologists of that persuasion claim that the Phoenicians Canaanites themselves were sub-Saharan African based on unscientific Biblical myths or some unfounded claims. They claim that the Canaanites were Hamites or associate the Punic with native aboriginal North Africans, while the latter and/or Berber are not even sub-Saharan blacks. They, therefore, deny the Canaanites their rightful place in history. Phoenicians of the Eastern Mediterranean or the Western Mediterranean (such as famous Hannibal or the Phoenicians of Carthage, Spain, Portugal, Sicily ...etc.), the Punic, were Semitic speaking Mediterraneans.*