The ancient civilization known for its extensive trade network across the Mediterranean Sea was the Phoenicians. Originating from the coastal regions of modern-day Lebanon and Syria, the Phoenicians were skilled seafarers and merchants who established colonies and trade routes connecting various cultures and regions, including North Africa, Spain, and the islands of the Mediterranean. Their innovations in shipbuilding and navigation facilitated trade in goods such as purple dye, glass, and textiles. Furthermore, the Phoenicians played a crucial role in the spread of the alphabet, which significantly influenced writing systems in the Mediterranean and beyond.