1177 B.C.: When Civilization Collapsed | Eric Cline
Long Now Foundation・2 minutes read
The collapse of interconnected civilizations in the Late Bronze Age around 1200 BC led to various societal declines and remains a mystery, with suggested factors including drought, famine, invaders like the Sea Peoples, earthquakes, and internal rebellions. The collapse created a Dark Age lasting about 300 years, resulting in the loss of writing, monumental architecture, and other hallmarks of civilization, similar in impact to the fall of the Roman Empire, prompting questions about future archaeology and interpretations of modern society.
Insights
- Long Now Foundation emphasizes long-term thinking with films showcasing civilization's fragility and robustness due to interconnectedness.
- Late Bronze Age's collapse around 1200 BC remains a mystery, attributed to factors like drought, famine, invaders, and earthquakes, impacting interconnected civilizations.
- Transition from Bronze to Iron Age occurred due to trade route disruptions, marking the end of the Late Bronze Age with societal collapses and a subsequent Dark Age.
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Recent questions
What is the significance of the Late Bronze Age?
The Late Bronze Age, spanning from 1700 to 1200 BC, was a period characterized by globalized interaction among various ancient civilizations. During this time, trade routes facilitated the exchange of raw materials like copper and tin, essential for making bronze tools and weapons. Diplomatic missions and trade embassies were common, showcasing the interconnectedness of societies. The collapse of civilizations around 1200 BC marked the end of this era, leading to a Dark Age lasting about 300 years. The Late Bronze Age is crucial in understanding the complexities of ancient civilizations and the factors that contributed to their decline.
What caused the collapse of civilizations in the Late Bronze Age?
The collapse of civilizations in the Late Bronze Age remains a mystery, with various factors potentially contributing to it. While drought, famine, and invaders like the Sea Peoples are often blamed, internal rebellions and earthquakes are also considered as causes. Scientific studies have shown evidence of a 300-year drought during this period, and archaeological evidence supports the presence of seismic activity. The disruption of international trade routes due to various factors could have also played a role in the collapse. The combination of these elements led to the decline of interconnected societies, leaving Egypt as the only standing civilization post-collapse.
How did trade routes impact ancient civilizations?
Trade routes played a significant role in the prosperity and interconnectedness of ancient civilizations during the Late Bronze Age. These routes facilitated the exchange of raw materials like copper and tin, essential for making bronze tools and weapons. Finished goods, such as weapons and sandals, were also traded among civilizations, showcasing a globalized network of interactions. Diplomatic missions and trade embassies further solidified these connections, with examples like Hatshepsut's mission to Punt. The trade routes not only contributed to economic growth but also fostered cultural exchanges and diplomatic relations among ancient societies.
What were the consequences of the collapse of civilizations in the Late Bronze Age?
The collapse of civilizations in the Late Bronze Age had far-reaching consequences, leading to a Dark Age lasting about 300 years. This period saw the loss of monumental architecture, writing systems, and other hallmarks of civilization. Cities were destroyed, trade routes disrupted, and populations shifted due to various factors like droughts, famine, and chaos. The collapse left Egypt as the only standing civilization, facing internal turmoil and assassination plots. The vulnerability of societies post-collapse is evident in the Philistine-looking pottery at Gabala, suggesting a long peace before societal breakdown. The consequences of the collapse highlight the fragility and interconnectedness of ancient civilizations.
How did the transition from bronze to iron occur?
The transition from bronze to iron occurred during the Late Bronze Age due to disruptions in trade routes and the necessity for new materials. While iron technology was superior to bronze, it was challenging to smelt iron, leading to a gradual shift. The collapse of civilizations around 1200 BC marked the end of the Late Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age. Iron technology eventually replaced bronze as the primary material for tools and weapons, reflecting the changing dynamics of ancient societies. The transition from bronze to iron was a significant development that reshaped technological advancements and trade networks during this period.
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