What were the contributions of the Phoenicians to Mediterranean culture?

The Phoenicians made significant contributions to Mediterranean culture, particularly through their establishment of vast trade networks and the creation of one of the earliest alphabets. As seafaring merchants, they established trade routes that connected various civilizations, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices across the Mediterranean. This extensive trade not only enriched the Phoenician cities, such as Tyre, Sidon, and Byblos, but also played a crucial role in the spread of cultural influences, including art, religion, and technology.

In addition to trade, the Phoenician alphabet is one of their most lasting legacies. It served as a precursor to many modern alphabets and streamlined the writing process compared to previous systems such as cuneiform and hieroglyphics. This innovation greatly enhanced communication and record-keeping, contributing to the administrative and cultural development of societies that adopted it.

Together, these contributions underscore the critical role the Phoenicians played in shaping the cultural and economic landscape of the ancient Mediterranean world.