1. Alphabet vs. Syllabary:
* Cuneiform was a syllabary, meaning each symbol represented a syllable (e.g., "ba," "ka," "li"). This made writing long and complex, requiring thousands of symbols to memorize.
* Phoenician was an alphabet, with each symbol representing a single consonant. This made writing much simpler, requiring only 22 symbols to learn.
2. Script:
* Cuneiform was written using wedge-shaped marks pressed into clay tablets.
* Phoenician was written using cursive strokes on papyrus or parchment.
3. Directionality:
* Cuneiform could be written in different directions, including left to right, right to left, or even vertically.
* Phoenician was written from right to left, like modern Hebrew.
4. Abstraction:
* Cuneiform symbols often depicted objects or ideas, making them somewhat pictorial.
* Phoenician symbols were more abstract, representing sounds rather than concrete objects.
5. Influence:
* Cuneiform developed independently in Mesopotamia and was primarily used in the region.
* Phoenician spread widely across the Mediterranean, influencing the development of Greek, Latin, and ultimately most modern alphabets.
In summary: Phoenician writing was a revolutionary innovation that simplified and democratized writing. Its use of an alphabet made it easier to learn and use than the complex cuneiform system, ultimately contributing to its widespread adoption and influence on writing systems worldwide.