Over the centuries , cedar wood was exploited by the Phoenicians , Persians , Babylonians , Egyptians , Assyrians , Romans , Israelites and Turks .
Cedar wood has been exploited over the centuries by the Phoenicians , Egyptians , Assyrians , Babylonians , Persians , Romans , Israelites and Turks .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes

He was born in Zaandam and died in Almelo .
He was born in Zaandam , died in Almelo .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
yes

The Detroit Red Wings were winning four games to 2 against the Norris Division Toronto Maple Leafs .
The Detroit Red Wings were defeated 4 games to 2 , against the Norris Division winning Toronto Maple Leafs .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no

Other liberal parties , however , along with nationalist groups , said that they would boycott the July elections .
However , nationalist parties , together with other liberal groups said they would boycott the July elections .

Are these two sentences paraphrases of each other?
no