Final answer:
The Phoenicians excelled in ocean navigation and trade due to their invention of the bireme, their monopoly on purple fabrics, and the development of the world's first known alphabet.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Phoenicians were known for their expertise in ocean navigation and trade. They traveled farther than any other ancient civilization, establishing colonies and trade networks throughout the Mediterranean. One reason for their success was their invention of the bireme, a powered boat that made navigation easier. They also had a monopoly on purple fabrics, made from the Murex snail, which were highly prized and traded along the routes. The Phoenicians' commercial success was also attributed to their development of the world's first known alphabet, which simplified record-keeping and allowed more people to become literate.