Why did Beirut’s commercial activity decline after Portuguese ships opened a sea route around Africa?

Beirut’s commercial activity declined after the Portuguese successfully opened a sea route around the African continent in 1498. By establishing this maritime path to the East, the Portuguese were able to divert the spice trade away from its traditional routes through Syria and Egypt. This shift in global trade patterns undermined the economic importance of Beirut, which had previously served as a primary port of call for merchants in the region.12