What are the benefits of an alliance

What excactly are the benefits of having an alliance?
If one person is strong can several of your alliance members attack at the same time?

Well sometimes, having a good alliance can help keep you from getting attacked as often. . .a person might be going to attack you, but then see your alliance name and run away because he is afraid that your other members might retaliate:) Higher level people in your alliance can help get people to stop farming you, and help you get forts or oasis. Other members might be able to help you get resources or items cheaply on the market by meeting there at the same time.
Those are just a few reasons I could think of now, hope it helped a little. Especially helpful to you when starting out, they can possibly keep you safer while you grow. If you wish to be more competitive, it would be a good idea to get into the best alliance possible, the more help they can give you, the better:)

EDITING POST TO PINK:)

Ya definitly some ideas i wsnt aware of.
What would happen if say 4 members of my alliance attacked the same person at the same time? Is that even possible?

yes. but if you all attack the same point there woupd be 10 minutes seperation(advantage to the defender)

if all would warp there u could decrease it to 10 sec

Also, you can chat with your alliance members for fun=)

Yes alliances help you in many ways one way that if you need something to to lvl up like a nugget but can't afford one. You can message or in alliance chat see if saomeone has one they can sell at a lower price. An alliance is more than just protection. They are there to help you become a better player and answer any questions and give you very usefuls tips. I hope this helps