The people who were expert sailors and traders in the Mediterranean area were the the Phoenicians
The Phoenicians
Step-by-step explanation:
The Phoenicians were known for their significant naval force and they were helping cope with the need of Iron throughout the Mediterranean area. They were expert sailors who would trade linen, iron, gold, cloth and slaves from one area to another.
They were the middlemen of the neighbouring regions. Would transport from Egypt, Cyprus, Arabia and Africa. They played a very important role in transporting things from one place to another and were well known traders.