The Phoenicians were an ancient civilization known for their extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean Sea. They established city-states like Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos, which became important commercial hubs. The Phoenicians traded goods such as purple dye, glass, and timber, often exchanging them for silver, gold, and other valuable resources. Their skilled sailors and navigators enabled them to explore new markets and establish colonies, including Carthage. The Phoenicians also developed an alphabet that greatly influenced later writing systems, facilitating communication in trade. Their trading practices contributed significantly to the economic and cultural exchanges of the ancient world.