Name:

Chapter 3 – Ancient Middle East

3.4. The Phoenicians: A Seafaring People
Comprehension Check 3B.1

Multiple-Choice Questions:

1. Where was Phoenicia located?

a. South of Egypt
b. North of modern Israel
c. In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea
d. In the heart of Europe
2. What natural feature gave the Phoenicians a place to build excellent harbors?
a. Dense forests
b. Fertile farmland
c. High mountains
d. Wide deserts
3. Why were the Phoenicians known as the first great sea traders?
a. They had the largest fleet of ships.
b. They had lots of men.
c. They developed advanced navigation technology.
d. They used their natural resources for shipbuilding.
4. Which city in North Africa became one of the greatest trading posts established by the
Phoenicians?
a. Tyre
b. Sidon
c. Byblos
d. Carthage
5. What valuable item did the Phoenicians trade from Egypt?
a. Gold
b. Papyrus
c. Ivory
d. Spices
6. Why did the Greeks call papyrus "biblos"?
a. Because it was the Greek word for paper
b. Because it came from the city of Biblos
c. Because it was the name of a famous Greek scholar
d. Because it was the most expensive trade item
7. What was the source of the rich purple dye that the Phoenicians were famous for?
a. Sea snails
b. Flowers
c. Berries
d. Minerals
8. What did the Phoenicians use the purple dye for?
a. Dyeing their own clothes
b. Trade with the Egyptians
c. Making royal garments
d. Building ships
9. Who was allowed to buy the rich purple dye produced by the Phoenicians?
a. Everyone in Phoenicia
b. Only the traders
c. Only kings and royalty
d. No one; it was a closely guarded secret
10. According to some historians, what did the Phoenicians make from the fine white sands
of their sea coast?
a. Pottery
b. Weapons
c. Blown glass
d. Wooden boats