The Dye Makers

Tyr, Lebanon Aug 8, 2023 In Mycenean, ponike is the name given to a species of sea snail from which a rich purple dye was made. From ponike came the Greek phoenix and thus Phoenicians, so called because they were the makers of this dye. Although debated, this seems the most widely accepted story. The … More The Dye Makers

Treasures of Byblos

Beirut, Lebanon Aug 6, 2023 The story Walk Through the Ages would hardly be complete without some of the treasures unearthed from the site but I had to wait until I got back to Beirut to go to the National Museum. Strictly for history buffs who crave the whole picture, here it is: 5th – … More Treasures of Byblos

A Tale of Three Cities

Tripoli, Lebanon Aug 4, 2023 Around 8th century BCE when the Phoenicians were establishing trading posts across the Mediterranean, they also established one here. The Greeks called it Tripolis or three cities because it was settled by each of the three city-states of Tyre, Sidon and Arwad (in present day Syria). The chaotic streets and … More A Tale of Three Cities