The scope of this history is immense, examining the origin of the Phœnician people and the extent of their influence both in the eastern Mediterranean and in their further-flung colonies and with their trading partners. It covers the Phœnicians' relations with contemporary and rival civilizations, notably the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans, and looks at the remarkable sea-faring achievements of the early Phœnicians sailors - whether traders, warriors or colonists. Rawlinson not only recounts such key episodes as the siege and destruction of Tyre by Alexander the Great but also looks at more enduring aspects of the civilization - most notably the extraordinary trading and commercial prowess that it enjoyed. Perhaps the most valuable contribution of the book is its comprehensive introduction to the art, architecture and cultural aspects of this great civilization and to the enduring legacy of many aspects of its culture. This seminal work, which has provided the basis for much modern scholarship on the history and archaeology of the Levant, will be welcomed by all those interested in the ancient history of the Mediterranean world in general and of Lebanon in particular.