National Geographic Episodes on PBS

“Quest for the Phoenicians” traces the history of these ancient mariners and traders, who established colonies and trade ties throughout the Mediterranean from their city-states in what is now Lebanon, Israel and Syria. The hour follows underwater explorer Robert Ballard as he searches for shipwrecks via remote-operated minisubs. Meanwhile, geneticist Spencer Wells seeks to create a “DNA chain” linking a Phoenician king to present-day Lebanese and Tunisians; and Spanish archaeologist Paco Giles sifts through Phoenician artifacts found in a cave on the Rock of Gilbraltar, where it seems that sailors prayed before heading out into the Atlantic.