Final answer:
The Phoenicians developed the first known alphabet, made up of 22 letters, around 1100 BCE, aiding literacy and their commercial success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The writing system made up of just 22 letters was developed by the Phoenicians around 1100 BCE. This was the world's first known alphabet, and its invention was a significant advancement because it simplified the earlier script of the Canaanites. With symbols that represented consonant sounds, the Phoenician writing system allowed for vowel sounds to be interpreted by context, enabling more people to become literate and contributing to the commercial success of the Phoenicians through improved record-keeping.
\