Chapter 6 covers two groups-the Phoenicians and the Hebrews-who settled on land that connected Egypt and Mesopotamia. Called Canaan, today that land is shared by Lebanon and Israel. The Phoenicians and the Hebrews were interested in trade and learning. Both groups benefited by the exchange of goods and ideas that flowed between Egypt and Mesopotamia.

Section 1 describes how trade and their links to the sea helped the Phoenicians build their civilizations. The Phoenicians established many colonies along the North African coast that grew into important cities. Through trade, the Phoenicians spread goods and ideas, including a system of writing.

Section 2 explores the story of the Hebrews as it is recorded in the Bible. The Hebrews contributed many important things to later civilizations, among them the belief in one, just god and in social justice.