LEVANT SHIPPING AND PERSIANS

In this study, after an overview of the geographical position of Levant, the importance of this geography has been emphasized and the struggles of states to dominate the region have been examined. The emergence of the shipping in Levant, an important center since the early ages, the establishment of a trade network in the region and the commercialized products have been discussed. With the beginning of the Bronze Age, a great progress has been made especially in the trade and the products produced have been sent to different regions. The presence of Persians in Levant has realized with Kyros II organizing expeditions to the region. Kyros II, after the establishment of the Persian Empire, followed a rapid expansion policy. In the consequence of the study, it was observed that the Persians gained strength in navy after they took over the region. It was determined that the Persians had a great voice in the Eastern Mediterranean with the empowerment of the navy