Final answer:
The Phoenicians relied on the sea primarily for trade opportunities, which allowed them to establish expansive trade networks and colonies like Carthage. Their maritime skills were essential for less expensive shipping, vital in supporting economies such as the Roman Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Phoenicians relied on the sea for their livelihood for several reasons, including their geographic location, which made them excellent sailors and traders, and their limited agricultural land, pushing them to seek resources through trade. In the context of their overland trade being potentially threatened by invasions, the sea offered a safe and efficient alternative. Furthermore, trade opportunities on the Mediterranean Sea were vast and profitable. They established trade networks, which included founding colonies such as Carthage, to facilitate their commerce. Not only were they seeking goods, but they were also exporting their own, such as the highly prized Phoenician purple dye, and their skilled craftsmanship was in demand. The sea was vital to their economy and cultural identity, leading them to excel in maritime activities.
Proximity to a seaport was important to Roman trade because shipping by sea was less expensive than by land, allowing Romans to engage in extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean. This trade was not only for luxury goods but a vast array of commodities that supported the Roman economy. The Phoenician expertise in navigation and shipbuilding was integral to the development of these trade networks, further illustrating the importance of maritime prowess.