Ras Shamra is an archaeological site located on the northern coast of Syria. It is known for the discovery of the ancient city of Ugarit, which flourished during the late Bronze Age. Excavations at Ras Shamra have revealed a wealth of artifacts, including cuneiform tablets that provide insights into the culture, religion, and trade of the Ugaritic civilization. The site was first excavated in the 1920s and has since become significant for understanding ancient Near Eastern history. The texts found at Ras Shamra include some of the earliest known examples of alphabetic writing, which influenced later scripts, including the Phoenician alphabet.