Carolina López-Ruiz, an expert on Phoenician civilization, discusses the overlooked history of the Phoenicians in shaping the interconnected world of the Iron Age Mediterranean. She delves into their agency in trade, colonization, and cultural innovation, emphasizing their cultural contributions and historical legacy. The podcast explores the challenges in reconstructing their identity from limited written records, their role in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, and their resilience amidst historical collapses.