What effect did the trading civilization of phoenicia have on the ancient world?

Though Phoenicia was a small nation, contributed greatly to civilization In terms of trade, they were great sailors and established many trading posts in North Africa, Crete, Greece and other countries in the Mediterranean Islands. From trading, they bought with them products from Asia as well as introduce cultural influences from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia and India.  Apart from trade, they are best known for introducing the alphabet and were the first to use it as a form of writing which many civilizations have adopted today.