Pronunciation: [kˈanɑːnˌa͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "Canaanite" is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" due to its historical origins. In Ancient Greek, the language in which the term was first coined, the letter "kappa" was used for the hard "c" sound, while "khi" represented the "kh" sound. As the term "Canaanite" did not feature the latter sound, it was spelled with a "c" using the IPA phonetic transcription, which represents it as /ˈkeɪ.nən.aɪt/.
Canaanite refers to the people who lived in the ancient region of Canaan, located in what is now modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. The Canaanites were among the earliest inhabitants of the region, dating back to the Bronze Age.
From an ethnic standpoint, Canaanite is used to denote individuals belonging to any of the various tribes and city-states that inhabited the land. They spoke a Semitic language called Canaanite or Canaanite dialects, which was closely related to Hebrew and Phoenician.
Canaanites were known for their advanced agricultural practices and thriving trade routes. They developed an impressive civilization, with major cities such as Jericho, Bethlehem, and Sidon. Ancient texts, such as the Amarna letters, provide valuable insights into the Canaanite society, culture, and interactions with neighboring civilizations.
Religiously, the Canaanites had a polytheistic belief system, worshipping a pantheon of deities headed by El, the chief god. Baal, Asherah, and Astarte were among the popular gods and goddesses in their mythology.
Throughout history, Canaanite culture and influence gradually diminished due to neighboring empires and successive waves of migration and conquest. The arrival of Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans all played a part in reshaping the region's cultural identity. Nevertheless, the historic presence and contributions of the Canaanites continue to influence the understanding and study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.
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The word "Canaanite" originates from the ancient Hebrew term "Knʿnī" (כְּנָעַנִי), which refers to the ancient inhabitants of the land of Canaan. The Hebrew term itself is believed to have been derived from the Akkadian word "Kinahhu", a term used to designate people coming from the region of Canaan. The specific etymology of the Akkadian word is uncertain, but it has been suggested that it may have been derived from the Hurrian word "Kanahhu", meaning "red-purple" or "purple". This association with the color purple might have related to the dye industry that was highly prominent in the ancient Levant region, including the land of Canaan.
