California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

The Phoenicians are primarily credited with the development of the first true alphabet, which significantly influenced the writing systems used in many modern languages. Their alphabet was made up of a set of symbols representing individual sounds, allowing for easier communication and literacy compared to previous writing systems that were often logographic or syllabic. This innovation simplified the writing process and made it more accessible, paving the way for later alphabets, including Greek and Latin, which form the basis of many contemporary scripts. The Phoenician alphabet facilitated trade, cultural exchange, and record-keeping, establishing a foundation for the spread of literacy throughout the Mediterranean region and beyond. This legacy underscores the importance of the Phoenicians in the history of written communication.