Which raw materials did Phoenician merchants import through their trading networks?

Phoenician merchants were renowned for their extensive maritime trade networks, which facilitated the exchange of both finished goods and raw materials across the ancient world. While they were famous for exporting items such as cedar wood, Tyrian purple dyed cloth, and metalwork, they imported a wide variety of raw materials in return.12

According to historical records, the raw materials imported by Phoenician merchants included:

• Metals: Gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin.1
• Organic materials: Papyrus, ivory, ebony, silk, and ostrich eggs.1
• Luxury and trade goods: Amber, jewels, precious stones, spices, incense, and horses.1

In addition to these imports, the Phoenicians engaged in significant transit trade, acting as intermediaries for manufactured goods from regions such as Egypt and Babylonia.12