JOURNAL ARTICLE

Most Phoenicians did not come from the land of Canaan, challenging historical assumptions.

  • Published In: Sciencemag.org, 2025. P. N.PAG 1 of 3

  • Database: Applied Science & Technology Source Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Curry, Andrew 3 of 3

Abstract

A recent study published in Nature challenges the assumption that most Phoenicians descended from the Canaanites mentioned in the Bible. Through the analysis of ancient genomes, researchers found that Phoenician individuals had a mixture of Mediterranean ancestries, mainly from Sicily, Greece, the Aegean islands, and North Africa. The study suggests that Phoenician culture spread through colonization, with locals adopting their language, religion, and practices, leading to rapid growth in Phoenician settlements across the Mediterranean. The research also revealed a high level of genetic diversity among Phoenician populations, indicating constant integration and intermarriage with neighboring cultures. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Sciencemag.org. 2025/04, pN.PAG
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • Accession Number:184704190
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