PHOINIKES: THE HISTORY OF AN ETHNONYM
Abstract
The etymology of Greek Phoinikes points towards an Indo-European root, despite other proposed origins
cannot be ruled out with absolute certainty. The original meaning of the noun does not seem to have connection
either with the Phoenician purple dye or with the colour purple. As regards Phoinikes in Homeric epic poetry, the
term seems to indicate Levantines in a broader sense, with no specific connection with those known as “Phoenicians”
from the 6th century onwards. Apparently the Sidonians were the only “Phoenician” ethnic group known to Greek
ancient epics.
Keywords: Phoinikes; etymology; Phoenicians; Homer.
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