Final answer:
The most famous culture to rise after the decline of early civilizations by 1200-1000 BCE were the Phoenicians, known for preserving cultural traditions and advancements like the alphabet.
Step-by-step explanation:
By 1200-1000 BCE, most early civilizations were in decline, transferring their legacy to regional cultures along the eastern Mediterranean. The most famous of these cultures were the Phoenicians. During this period, known as the Late Bronze Age collapse, the Mycenaeans and other powerful civilizations such as the Hittites and Egyptians were experiencing a decline. The Phoenicians not only preserved Bronze Age cultural traditions but also developed significant advancements like the alphabet, establishing far-reaching trade networks throughout the Mediterranean.