Phoenicians

BBC Ancient Worlds

Documentary

BBC Ancient Worlds Documentary

The Birth of Venus (Aphrodite)

by Sandro Botticelli  c. 1485

 The  BBC documentary program Ancient Worlds was first broadcast around the world in 2010. This unique and significant film recognizes the role of the Phoenicians, who interacted with many of the great societies of antiquity. 

The six-part series covers the time from the first cities rising in the Middle East to the fall of the Roman Empire in the West. The Phoenicians are revealed in sequences filmed in Lebanon and other parts of the Mediterranean where they traveled and established their many colonies. In the worldwide version historic background was provided by interviews with Sanford Holst, who is a member of the well-respected Royal Historical Society and author of Phoenician Secrets: Exploring the Ancient Mediterranean.

The Phoenicians clearly existed prior to 1200 BC, since they were seen actively trading and contesting with the Egyptians, Mycenaeans and Hittites of that day. When the Sea Peoples destroyed or mortally weakened those other societies, only the Phoenicians had bargained well enough to remain standing. This enabled them to plant their colonies across the length and breadth of the Mediterranean, and even on the Atlantic side of Spain and Morocco. When the classical Greeks arose after the eighth century BC, Greek cities actively competed with the Phoenicians for trade and colonies, taking a large share. When Rome created its Republic in the sixth century BC, it began to trade with -- then compete with -- the Greeks and Phoenicians. Carthage, the largest of the Phoenician colonies, stood as a major rival to the desires of the Greeks and Romans. In the Punic Wars -- which is Latin for Phoenician Wars -- Rome ended the long tenure of the Phoenicians. When Rome also completed the Macedonian Wars in Greece, it emerged as the dominant society in the Mediterranean.

BBC Two, which had primary responsibility for assembling this remarkable documentary, took pride in touching on things that were slightly controversial and attempted to deal with events in history as they actually happened. As they explain it, "The series offers an epic sweep of history against a panorama of stunning locations and bold propositions about the origins of human society."

Sanford Holst

The new information presented in this BBC program is explored in greater depth in the book Phoenician Secrets. In it, the mysterious Phoenicians and the ancient Mediterranean are experienced in richer detail than ever before, told in a well researched and intriguing narrative.

David Northrup, Ph.D. says:

"Popular accounts of the Phoenicians are rarely coherent and comprehensive. Sanford Holst’s survey of the rise and fall of the Phoenicians is a splendid exception.

"The author’s clear prose should make the story attractive 

even to beginning students of the ancient world. The book’s 

many illustrations and maps add to its appeal.

Rita G:

"The Phoenicians left the world a life-affirming legacy and it would be beneficial for the world to take notice. Their enormous success was connected to operating as a cohesive society with a common purpose. I highly recommend it!" 

Phoenician Secrets

is now at Amazon-USA

and at Amazon-UK

BBC Ancient Worlds

History Programme