Question

Explain how the Phoenician alphabet spread throughout the Mediterranean. Why do you think it was beneficial to the Phoenicians for their alphabet to replace cuneiform writing?

Answer 1

The Phoenicians were the people that were the masters of the Mediterranean for quite some time. They were known as excellent sailors, sheep builders, and they were also the main traders in the Mediterranean. The culture of the Phoenicians were very developed, and they also had something that most of the people didn't had, an alphabet. Because they were constantly on the move and in constant contact with the people living in the Mediterranean region, the Phoenicians introduced them to their alphabet. The civilizations in this region accepted it gladly, just made certain minor adjustments for their own needs. This was very beneficial for the Phoenicians because once the other people were able to write in their alphabet, they were able to communicate much more easily and also over distance, as well as spreading their cultural influence.