How were Phoenician city-states governed by kings, merchant families, and councils of elders?

The governance of ancient Phoenician city-states was primarily characterized by a system of kingship, though this authority was notably constrained by other social and political forces.123

• Kingship: This was the oldest form of government in Phoenician cities. Royal houses claimed divine descent, and the position was restricted to members of these specific families.34
• Merchant Families: Despite the presence of a monarch, wealthy merchant families wielded significant influence over public affairs, effectively limiting the king's power.134
• Council of Elders: Kings were typically associated with a council of elders, which served as a deliberative body in cities such as Byblos and Sidon.34
• Evolution of Government: In some instances, the political structure shifted. For example, during the reign of Nebuchadrezzar II, the monarchy at Tyre was replaced by a republic administered by suffetes (judges) who served short terms.34

While these cities shared cultural and linguistic ties, they never formed a large-scale federation, as there was no overarching sense of political unity to bind the independent states together.134