The Phoenician alphabet

The Phoenician alphabet, developed around 1050 BCE by the ancient Phoenicians, is one of the earliest known alphabets and a major influence on modern writing systems. It consists of 22 characters, each representing a consonant sound, making it more efficient than prior complex writing systems like cuneiform or hieroglyphics. Its simplicity and adaptability allowed it to spread widely across the Mediterranean, influencing Greek, Latin, and eventually most modern alphabets. The Phoenician alphabet marked a significant shift in communication, paving the way for the development of literacy and written language in Western civilization.