The phoenician alphabet spread throughout the mediterranean as a result of a. widespread trade b. increased conflict c. expanding empires d. increased exploration

   A. Widespread trade

Explanation: Phoenician alphabet was considered revolutionary progress in writing at that time because it significantly improved the way of writing, which became faster and more efficient due to the needs of trade. The Phoenicians were well-known traders who, due to the needs of trade, developed a shipbuilding system because they cruised on the Mediterranean daily and wider, and also developed an efficient system of writing for the same reasons, easier and more efficient trade and more efficient record of commercial contracts, etc.

you didn't list the options. however, a few communist countries today are: the people's republic of china, north korea, and cuba.