Final answer:
The Phoenicians were the first advanced maritime culture in the Mediterranean, known for their extensive trade networks and the city of Carthage, and their alphabet influenced European scripts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first advanced maritime culture that explored and traded throughout the Mediterranean Sea starting about 1500 BC were the Phoenicians.
The Phoenicians, originating from the coastal regions of present-day Lebanon, were renowned seafarers and traders who established widespread trade networks across the Mediterranean. Around 1200 BC, they began to expand their influence by setting up trade outposts and colonies, from Byblos in the east to Gadir (Cadiz) in the West.
The Phoenicians were adept at navigating the seas and even developed advanced maritime technologies such as the bireme. Their economic influence peaked through the establishment of bustling trade hubs, most notably the city of Carthage, which eventually became the centerpiece of Phoenician trade in the western Mediterranean. Moreover, Phoenician culture played a significant intellectual role, with their alphabet forming the basis for many European scripts. The Phoenicians' maritime prowess contributed immensely to the cultural and economic development of the Mediterranean region.