Yes, the Canaanites originated as a group of city-states in the ancient Near East, primarily in the region known as Canaan, which encompassed parts of modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. Each city-state had its own ruler and government, but they shared a common culture, language, and religious beliefs. The most well-known Canaanite city-states include Ugarit, Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos.