Phoenicians were Canaanites who survived into first millennium BCE. They controlled Palestine, Transjordan and Syria from Ugarit to Egyptian border. Around 1200 BCE, they were forced out by various empires
Sea Peoples attacked Mediterranean around 1200 BC, destroying major powers. Phoenician cities remained untouched during this period. Hittite empire fell in 1180 BC, except for Phoenician cities
Melqart was the tutelary god of Tyre and major deity in Phoenician and Punic pantheons. His name means "King of the City" in Phoenician. He was identified with Greek and Roman Heracles from 6th century BCE
Phoenicians were not a unified nation but independent city-states in eastern Mediterranean. Greeks coined the name "Phoenicia" from "phoinix". Most historical sources come from outsiders like Greeks
Melqart was the patron deity of Tyre, meaning 'king of the city'. He was associated with monarchy, sea, colonization, and commercial enterprise. His name means 'fire of heaven' and was worshipped during Peritia festival
Canaan was a prosperous ancient country in Levant region. Name possibly derived from Hurrian 'purple' or Hebrew 'kane' meaning. Earliest habitation around Jericho in Paleolithic Age. Region was absorbed into Akkadian Empire around 2300 BCE