Regev/Painting the Mediterranean, Introduction.

This book focuses on the Canaanite-Phoenician economic systems that predominated in and determined Mediterranean history. Phoenician trade networks were sophisticated and elaborate operations that required a highly developed society and institutions in order to spread and be maintained. By tracking the manufacture, use, and shipment routes of Phoenician products, primarily those traded in amphorae and bottles but also fine-ware and their associated assemblages, a new map of Mediterranean connectivity and interrelations emerges, whose routes, operations and cultural affiliation lasted a long time. The Phoenician trade-nets are presented geographically, with special attention paid to the traceable product networks involving wine, salted fish, or perfumed oils.