Sexi (Phoenician colony)

Sexi was an important Phoenician colony located on the southern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, in what is now Almuñécar, Spain. Founded around the 8th century BCE, it served as a vital trading post connecting the eastern Mediterranean with the resources of southern Iberia.

The Phoenicians, renowned seafarers and traders, established Sexi to facilitate the exchange of goods between their homeland and the Iberian populations. Primary trade commodities included metals (particularly silver and copper), salted fish, garum (a fermented fish sauce), wine, olive oil, textiles, and pottery. In return, the Phoenicians supplied manufactured goods, luxury items, and likely raw materials not readily available in Iberia.

Sexi's strategic location on a protected bay allowed for safe anchorage and facilitated maritime commerce. The colony grew into a prosperous urban center, evidenced by archaeological finds including necropolises, ceramic workshops, and remnants of defensive structures. Its importance persisted through the Roman period, when it was known as Sexi Firmum Iulium and further developed under Roman rule. The Roman city continued to thrive on maritime trade and agriculture.

Over time, Sexi’s control shifted hands, being influenced by Carthaginian power before falling under Roman domination. Its legacy endures through archaeological remains and historical accounts that underscore its crucial role in ancient Mediterranean trade networks. The excavation site at Almuñécar continues to provide valuable insights into the daily life, economic activities, and cultural exchanges that characterized this significant Phoenician settlement.