1. Simplicity:
* Cuneiform used complex symbols: Each cuneiform symbol represented a syllable or even a whole word, requiring extensive memorization.
* Phoenician used fewer symbols: It had only 22 symbols, each representing a consonant sound. This drastically reduced the number of characters to learn.
2. Phonetic Nature:
* Cuneiform was logographic: Symbols represented words or syllables, making it difficult to represent unfamiliar words or proper names.
* Phoenician was alphabetic: Symbols represented individual sounds, making it easy to spell out any word, regardless of its complexity.
3. Ease of Writing:
* Cuneiform required specialized tools: Scribes used a stylus to press wedge-shaped marks into clay tablets, a process that was time-consuming and messy.
* Phoenician could be written on various materials: It could be inscribed on papyrus, parchment, or even stone using a simple reed pen, making it more versatile.
4. Adaptability:
* Cuneiform was restricted to specific languages: Due to its complex nature, it was difficult to adapt to other languages.
* Phoenician was easily adopted: Its simple and phonetic nature allowed it to be adapted to different languages, making it readily accessible to a wider audience.
These factors combined allowed the Phoenician alphabet to spread rapidly throughout the Mediterranean world, eventually influencing the development of alphabets in Greek, Latin, and ultimately, all modern European languages.