Sidon

, an ancient city of Phœnicia, the capital of the country, with a famous harbour, now called Said . It is situate on the shores of the Mediterranean, at the distance of about 50 miles from Damascus and 24 from Tyre. The people of Sidon were well known for their industry, their skill in arithmetic, in astronomy, and commercial affairs, and in sea voyages. They, however, had the character of being very dishonest. Their women were peculiarly happy in working embroidery. The invention of gla , of linen, and of a beautiful purple dye, is attributed to them. The city of Sidon was taken by Ochus king of Persia, after the inhabitants had burnt themselves and the city, B.C. 351; but it was afterwards rebuilt by its inhabitants. Lucan , bk. 3 , li. 217 ; bk. 10 , li. 141 .— Diodorus , bk. 16 .— Justin , bk. 11 , ch. 10 .— Pliny , bk. 36 , ch. 26 .— Homer , Ody ey , bk. 15 , li. 411 .— Mela , bk. 1 , ch. 12 .