EXPEDITION

A quest that promises to shed new light on one of histories great mysteries, could the Phoenicians have reached the Americas nearly 2000 years before Christopher Columbus?  The Phoenicia, a replica Phoenician ship built in 2008, began its voyage from the old port Carthage (Tunisia) in September 2019.  After a voyage of over 6,000 miles, lasting 5 months, Philip Beale achieved his mission before the year was out; landing in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on 31st December.

 

The Phoenicia, a replica Phoenician ship, left the old port of Carthage, Tunisia on 23rd September 2019 and called into Gibraltar, Cadiz (Spain), Essaouira (Morocco) and Tenerife (Canary Islands) before embarking on the unpredictable challenge of reaching the Caribbean, where an incredible Santo Domingo welcome was waiting.  Celebration continues for the Captain and international crew in Florida, where excitement over Phoenicia’s first public sighting the USA was in abundance.  Phoenicia was hosted at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club, Fort Lauderdale, before sailing onwards to Shake-A-Leg Miami.

 
The journey across the Atlantic from Tenerife to the Dominican Republic took 39 days, a distance of some 3,700 miles. From the Dominican Republic to Florida, the journey of 1000 miles took 12 days. The total voyage from Carthage, Tunisia to Florida covered over 6,000 miles and took 5 months to complete. 
 

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Expedition objectives:

• To prove that the Phoenicians were capable of crossing the Atlantic to the Americas

• To inspire interest in Phoenician culture and archaeology

• To provide participation opportunities for young people with a Phoenician heritage

• To conduct research on plastic pollution levels in the Mediterranean and Atlantic

• To compare computer model predictions with the actual route

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"It is one of the greatest voyages of mankind and if anyone could have done it before Columbus, it was the Phoenicians.  Of all the ancient civilisations, they were the greatest seafarers - Lebanon had cedar trees perfect for building strong boats, they were the first to use iron nails and they had knowledge of astrology and currents."

Philip Beale, Expedition Leader

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The Expedition is approved by the

Scientific Exploration Society, UK

(registered charity number 267410)

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International documentary makers and broadcasters have been welcomed on board, facilitating further exciting collaboration and wider exposure.  Keep watching.

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Sponsors:

The Phoenicians Before Columbus is delighted to have already secured a number of sponsors.  If you or your organisation would like to make a contribution and be part of making Phoenicia's next epic adventure happen, take a look at our Sponsors page.