Which ancient civilization is known for adapting the alphabet into a more usable form and settling on the island of Cyprus?

The Phoenicians are well-known for their significant contribution to the development of writing systems, particularly their adaptation of the alphabet. They took an earlier Semitic script and refined it into a more simplified and efficient alphabet consisting of 22 letters, which laid the groundwork for many future writing systems, including Greek and Latin. This alphabet was more accessible for trade and communication, facilitating their extensive commercial networks across the Mediterranean.

Additionally, the Phoenicians established settlements in various regions, including the island of Cyprus. Their strategic location and maritime prowess allowed them to dominate trade routes and spread their culture and innovations throughout the Mediterranean world. The cultural and linguistic impact of the Phoenicians has had a lasting influence on Western civilization, particularly in the realms of writing and commerce.