Phoenicia also practiced animal husbandry, namely focusing on livestock. Additionally, they tamed various animals for their own needs. Cattle were highly favored for their delicious beef and milk production, with donkeys being a close second in popularity. Although cattle were consumed for food, donkeys were essential for transporting things over the rugged landscape of present-day Lebanon.
Sheep were valuable for their wool, while goats were necessary for milk production. Sheep and goats were perhaps the earliest animals to be tamed and were referred to as “small cattle” in the Phoenician language. They were raised in extensive flocks instead than on small-scale farms. Many flocks were managed by the state, regional temples, or affluent landowners who had the resources to provide grazing areas.
Pastoralism was the predominant practice, with the majority of shepherds being employed workers. As sheep and goat theft were considered severe offenses, any animals that died while in the care of a hired worker had to be shown to the owner as evidence that they were not stolen. The wool was used to produce garments, while goat’s milk was used to create exquisite cheese and yogurt for nourishment.
In addition to the shepherds, flocks were safeguarded by domesticated dogs. The dog was the main domestic animal of the Phoenicians and played a significant role in protecting against local fauna.
Historians have identified two breeds linked to the Phoenicians: a giant greyhound and a breed that is now extinct but was comparable in size and strength to a modern Mastiff or Great Dane. There is evidence suggesting that domesticated dogs were utilized as war animals and were probably not exchanged with other civilizations. However, ducks, chickens, and geese were popular birds, unlike the aforementioned animals.
The Phoenicians were notable for their beekeeping practices. Honey was the main sugar supply for the inhabitants, and beekeeping was a highly valued skill. Beekeeping has a long history spanning thousands of years, making honey a popular commodity during that period. Beekeepers also farmed beeswax, which served as a waterproof sealant and had therapeutic properties. That was a favorable agreement.
Commercial Sector
The Phoenicians were mostly traders who participated in extensive interregional trade. Although they were vast traders, one notable aspect of their customs was the delayed introduction of national coinage minting, which occurred in the mid-5th century BCE. Historians attribute the reluctance to accept coinage in Phoenicia to the civilization’s history of colonization, particularly when it came under the control of the Persians. Trading with a diverse range of partners was simpler through a barter and exchange system, which the Persians utilized without the need for coin currency.
Coinage gradually entered Phoenicia due to the arrival of Greek traders in the Phoenician city-states after the Persian Wars. Greece was among the earliest civilizations to create its own currency, prompting city-states such as Sidon and Tyre to do the same in order to stay current with commercial norms. Phoenicia began using coin money, yet each city-state maintained its sovereignty by minting its own coins.
In red color is Anunnaki symbols