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<DIV align=center style="background-color:#C2CAD0;border-style:solid;border-width:1;font-family:arial;font-size:28pt" >Introduction
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  The objective of this site is to present <B>the Cretan theory</B> which explains the evolution of the Phoenician alphabet.
<BR>This theory was proposed on the beginning of the XX-th century. 
<BR>There are several reasons which affirm this theory:
<BR>1. The Minoan culture was an advanced culture during the second millennium B.C. 
<BR>2. The Crete and Cyprus islands are situated on strategical place.
<BR>   So, it enabled them an advantage in international trade.
<BR>3. From the military standpoint, the islands provided a defense against envious invasions.   
<BR>4. International trade demanded a higher level of literacy.
<BR>5. From the beginning of the second millennium B.C. there already existed a basic set of symbols.
<BR>   This set gradually evolved from pictographic signs to more developed linear signs. 
<BR>6. The inscribed signs on the copper ingots.
<BR>   This ingots testify that the inscribed signs were recognized abroad.
<BR>   So, these signs were a kind of lingua franca. 
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