Which civilization had the biggest influence on Greek and Roman societies due to its location near the Mediterranean Sea Assyrians, Cimmerians, Phoenicians, Babylonians
The Phoenicians had the biggest influence on Greek and Roman societies due to their location near the Mediterranean Sea. The Phoenicians, who inhabited the region that is now modern-day Lebanon, were known for their advanced seafaring skills and extensive trading networks. They established colonies and trading posts throughout the Mediterranean, including places such as Carthage, Sicily, and Sardinia.
The Phoenicians played a significant role in the development of maritime trade in the region, and they introduced the alphabet to the Greeks, which heavily influenced the development of the Greek alphabet. The Greeks, in turn, adapted and spread this alphabet, which eventually became the basis for the Latin alphabet used by the Romans and many languages around the world.
Additionally, the Phoenicians greatly influenced Greek and Roman art, architecture, religion, and culture through their trade and cultural exchanges. They introduced various artistic styles, such as the use of purple dyes and intricate metalwork, to the Greeks and Romans. The Phoenician god Baal was also assimilated into the religious practices of these societies.
Although other civilizations, such as the Assyrians, Cimmerians, and Babylonians, had interactions with the Greeks and Romans, it was the Phoenicians who had the most significant influence on their societies due to their location near the Mediterranean and their extensive maritime trade networks.