The Phoenician alphabet influenced just about every written language that came after it. Not only was it much simpler and easier to learn than complex cuneiform writing, it could be adapted to a number of other languages. It was also instrumental in shaking up the class structures of ancient societies. Before alphabets, written language was so difficult to learn that only a few people—usually those in power—were truly literate. That meant the dissemination of information was controlled by the privileged elite, but the alphabet gave the masses unprecedented access to information. The next time you look something up without any help from an oppressor, thank a Phoenician, though you might have trouble finding one. They’re rather thin on the ground these days.
History Daily
