Final answer:
The correct comparison between two ancient civilizations is that the Sumerian civilization utilized cuneiform for writing, while the Egyptians used hieroglyphics, with both societies having their own unique forms of written communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question which asks to compare two ancient civilizations can be best addressed by stating that B. The Sumerian civilization used cuneiform, and the Egyptians used hieroglyphics is the correct answer. The Sumerians developed cuneiform as one of the earliest forms of written expression, which was fundamentally different from the pictographic hieroglyphics used by the ancient Egyptians. While the Sumerians documented their knowledge on clay tablets, the Egyptians inscribed theirs on various mediums such as stone and papyrus.
The other options contain inaccuracies: The Egyptians practiced polytheism rather than a monotheistic religion like the Aztecs; the Phoenicians, known for their seafaring expertise, traded extensively by sea and not just by land routes; and both Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations had reliable sources of water, namely the Nile and the Tigris-Euphrates rivers, respectively, which were crucial for their agricultural and societal development.