Title is a bit misleading. It was the Phoenicians who circumnavigated Africa, but the trip was sponsored by the Egyptians. Egyptian and Phoenician civilizations

Title is a bit misleading. It was the Phoenicians who circumnavigated Africa, but the trip was sponsored by the Egyptians. Egyptian and Phoenician civilizations were not the same, and the Phoenicians were the master sailers/travellers of the mediterranean at that time, whereas the Egyptians were known for other accomplishments (such as growing wheat, central administration).