Sidon, also known as Saida, is the Greek name for the ancient Phoenician port city of Sidonia, located in present-day Lebanon about 25 miles south of Beirut. Alongside Tyre, Sidon held great influence as one of the most powerful city-states in ancient Phoenicia. It was in Sidon that the production of the renowned purple dye, which brought fame to Tyre, originated. The Phoenician ship has been chosen to symbolize Lebanon’s gateway to the world.