What was a crucial invention around 1600 BC that impacted communication?

The development of the modern alphabet around 1600 BC was a significant advancement that greatly influenced communication. This invention allowed for more efficient writing and record-keeping, enabling people to capture and convey thoughts, ideas, and information in a structured way. Unlike earlier systems that relied heavily on symbols or pictographs, the alphabet provided a more streamlined method of representing sounds and words. This made literacy more attainable for a larger segment of the population and facilitated trade, governance, and cultural exchanges. The modern alphabet evolved from earlier writing systems, leading to various adaptations that shaped languages across the globe. Its impact on communication cannot be overstated, as it laid the groundwork for the written language as we know it today.