Masters of Iron and Sea: The Hittites and Phoenicians

Miacademy & MiaPrep Learning Channel

This engaging educational video explores two significant ancient civilizations: the maritime Phoenicians and the mountain-dwelling Hittites. Through a compare-and-contrast structure, the narrator explains how geography played a crucial role in shaping the development, economy, and culture of each society. Viewers learn how the mountainous terrain of Phoenicia pushed its people toward the sea to become master shipbuilders and traders, while the rugged highlands of Anatolia forged the Hittites into a military powerhouse known for iron-working and chariots. The video dives deep into the specific technological and cultural achievements of both groups. For the Hittites, the focus is on their pioneering use of iron weapons, two-wheeled chariots, and a legal system recorded on clay tablets that prioritized compensation over physical punishment. For the Phoenicians, the spotlight is on their invention of the phonetic alphabet—the ancestor of modern writing systems—as well as their vast trade networks, establishment of colonies like Carthage, and production of the luxurious Tyrian purple dye. Designed for middle and high school history classrooms, this resource effectively illustrates key social studies concepts such as cultural diffusion, economic specialization, and the impact of physical geography on human history. The video includes interactive moments, such as a decoding activity using the Phoenician alphabet, making it an excellent tool for introducing the Iron Age or for a comparative unit on ancient Mediterranean civilizations.