Φοινικική, or Phoenician, refers to the ancient civilization that emerged around 1500 BCE in the region of modern-day Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. The Phoenicians were renowned for their maritime trade, establishing trade networks across the Mediterranean Sea and founding colonies, including Carthage. They were skilled artisans, particularly in glassmaking and textiles. The Phoenician alphabet, developed around 1200 BCE, is one of their most significant contributions, influencing many writing systems, including Greek and Latin. This alphabet consisted of 22 consonants and laid the groundwork for modern alphabets. The Phoenicians played a crucial role in cultural exchange and the spread of ideas throughout the ancient world.