Urban functions and urban models : a comparative analysis of Phoenician settlements

Abstract

The Phoenician settlements, both in the homeland and in the colonies established along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea are characterized by their small size. This new phenomenon was a complete departure from the large urban centres which characterized the previous millennia in the Near East, particularly in Mesopotamia. By using established urban trait lists, such as that put forward by Gordon V. Childe, these settlements are evaluated so as to determine the extent of their urban development, and their categorization as cities. In tum urban models established by urban geographers (Burgess et al) provide a framework against which to understand the functions of these Phoenician settlements.