The Canaanites were a Semitic-speaking group of people who inhabited the ancient Near East, particularly the land of Canaan, which is modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria and Jordan. They were known by various names, including Amorites, Jebusites, Hittites, and Phoenicians, among others. These terms refer to different sub-groups of the Canaanites who were distinguished by their cultural, linguistic, and geographical characteristics. Despite their differences, the Canaanites shared a common culture and history, which was influenced by their interactions with other ancient peoples such as the Egyptians and Babylonians. Today, the term "Canaanites" is used to describe this diverse group of peoples who played a significant role in shaping the history and culture of the region.