Sidon has been
inhabited since very early in prehistory. The archaeological site of Sidon II
shows a lithic assemblage dating to the Acheulean, whilst finds at Sidon III
include a Heavy Neolithic assemblage suggested to date just prior to the
invention of pottery. It was one of the most important Phoenician cities, and
may have been the oldest. From here, and other ports, a great Mediterranean
commercial empire was founded. Homer praised the skill of its craftsmen in
producing glass, purple dyes, and its women's skill at the art
