When a great power wanes, that power's diplomats and leaders may find themselves faced with an unexpected lack of respect. This was the experience of Wen-Amon, an Egyptian envoy sent to Phoenicia in the eleventh century B.C. to buy lumber. Whereas in earlier times an important Egyptian official would have been treated with careful deference, Wen-Amon found himself shouted at, disrespected, robbed with impunity, and threatened with arrest when he tried to take matters into his own hands.
At the same time, even a power that is in eclipse still exerts huge cultural, economic and even political influence on other areas. Wen-Amon's story illustrates this fact. It is worth comparing his story, which he recorded himself, to the loss of power of other empires like Athens and Rome.
- The website http://www.phoenicia.org/trade.html shows a modern illustration of one of Wen-Amon's ships, and discusses the trade of the Phoenicians.
- Read about Wen-Amon's journey at http://nefertiti.iwebland.com/wenamen.htm; this site includes excerpts from his account.
- Read about and view photographs of Byblos, one of Wen-Amon's ports-of-call, at http://www.middleeastuk.com/destinations/lebanon/byblos.htm.
