Step 1: Understanding the question.
This question deals with the historical development of alphabets and their origins, focusing on the Roman script.
The Roman script used in many modern languages has evolved through different ancient writing systems.
Step 2: Historical background.
The earliest known alphabetic system originated from the Phoenicians around 1050 BCE.
This script influenced Greek writing, which later gave rise to the Latin or Roman alphabet.
Hence, the Phoenician alphabet is the root of modern Roman letters used today.
Step 3: Relation to the Roman script.
The Romans adopted and modified the Greek script, which itself was derived from the Phoenician system.
The Phoenicians used symbols to represent consonant sounds, a revolutionary idea that shaped alphabetic writing.
Step 4: Elimination of incorrect options.
- (1) Greek — developed later; an intermediary stage, not the origin.
- (3) Egypt — contributed to hieroglyphs but not alphabetic structure.
- (4) Sumer — developed cuneiform, unrelated to alphabetic writing.
Therefore, the Roman script traces its earliest foundation to the Phoenicians.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, the correct answer is (2) Phoenicia, the originators of the alphabetic system that influenced Greek and Roman scripts.