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What was life like after the Bronze Age collapse (Extended Version)

Epimetheus・51 minutes read

Life after the Bronze Age collapse involved various civilizations facing challenges and upheavals, with empires crumbling, and new powers emerging. The collapse led to the decline of powerful empires, internal conflicts, invasions by external forces, and the rise of more independent city-states in the Levant.

Insights

  • The collapse of various civilizations post-Bronze Age led to a loss of literacy and written records for centuries, impacting regions like Greece for nearly 500 years.
  • The hiring of mercenaries like the Sea Peoples and Libyans by Egyptian pharaohs, such as Ramses the 11th, led to internal conflicts and questions about whether it accelerated or prolonged Egypt's decline, ultimately resulting in the split of Egypt into rival dynasties after Ramses' death.

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Recent questions

  • What were the impacts of the Bronze Age collapse?

    The Bronze Age collapse led to the decline of highly developed urban civilizations, loss of written records, and internal conflicts in various regions.

  • Who were the Sea Peoples and what role did they play?

    The Sea Peoples were Mediterranean groups contributing to the downfall of empires, alongside internal conflicts and invasions, during the Bronze Age collapse.

  • How did the decline of Egypt affect neighboring regions?

    The decline of Egypt resulted in the loss of control over Kush to the Nubians, leading to the establishment of a long-standing kingdom of Kush.

  • What were the consequences of hiring Libyan mercenaries in Egypt?

    Hiring Libyan mercenaries in Egypt led to internal conflict, questions about Egypt's demise, and eventual takeover of Egypt by these mercenaries.

  • How did the collapse of the Mitanni Empire impact the region?

    The collapse of the Mitanni Empire led to Assyrian expansionism, destabilizing the region and causing famine, war, and chaos.

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Summary

00:00

Life after Bronze Age: Collapse and Impact

  • The video is an extended version discussing life after the Bronze Age collapse, with additional interesting information not included in the original video.
  • During the Bronze Age, the typical alloy ratio for creating bronze varied regionally, with modern industrial bronze using a higher percentage of tin.
  • By the 12th century BC, the most populous and technologically advanced empires were in close proximity, except for the Shang Dynasty in China.
  • The Indus Valley Civilization's collapse occurred over a century before the Bronze Age collapse, leading to minimal trade with Mesopotamia.
  • The decline of the Indus Valley Civilization had some impact on Mesopotamia, but by the Bronze Age collapse, the effects had already transpired.
  • Trade with developing civilizations in the Indian subcontinent reduced in the centuries before the Bronze Age collapse.
  • The Nordic Bronze Age culture survived the collapse but entered a period of economic decline, similar to the Olmecs.
  • Highly developed urban civilizations were concentrated in the Near East, with the Shang Dynasty and neighboring empires forming a robust interconnected system.
  • The collapse of the Mitanni Empire led to Assyrian expansionism, destabilizing the region and leading to famine, war, and chaos.
  • The devastation post-collapse led to the loss of the ability to read and write for hundreds of years in many regions, with written records disappearing in Greece for almost 500 years.

15:34

"Ramses the 11th and Egypt's Decline"

  • Ramses the 11th was the last ancient Egyptian pharaoh, facing a reign marked by economic collapse, high taxes, and urban revolts.
  • Pharaohs in this era often fought against their own people, employing mercenaries like the Sea Peoples and Libyans, who eventually took over Egypt.
  • The decision to hire many Libyans as mercenaries led to internal conflict, with questions arising about whether it hastened or prolonged Egypt's demise.
  • Smendes and Herohor, powerful figures during Ramses the 11th's reign, consolidated power for themselves while maintaining a facade of loyalty to the pharaoh.
  • Herohor, a military commander and high priest, combined military, secular, and religious power, becoming an autocrat in Egypt.
  • Following Ramses the 11th's death, Egypt split into two rival dynasties, engaging in a cold war while presenting a united front to outsiders.
  • Tomb robbery in ancient Egypt was likely orchestrated by state actors, with looted gold possibly funding the survival of the state.
  • The decline of Egypt saw the loss of control over Kush to the Nubians, who ruled Egypt for over 90 years, leading to a long-standing kingdom of Kush.
  • Various regions during the 11th century BC, including the Near East, Shang China, and Nordic Bronze Age societies, faced challenges and upheavals.
  • The Sea Peoples, originating from the Mediterranean, played a role in the downfall of great empires, while internal conflicts and invasions further contributed to the decline of Hittite and Babylonian civilizations.

30:05

Mountain Peoples' Struggles in Mesopotamia

  • Cassites conquered southern Mesopotamia and ruled for over 400 years
  • Cassite tribes in Zagros Mountains after Babylon's collapse
  • Flatland empires extorted tribute from mountain peoples
  • Large empires exploiting resource-rich mountainous regions
  • Mountain people retaliated during times of weakness
  • Assyrians defeated mountain peoples in Mesopotamia
  • Assyrians extorted horses and tribute from mountain peoples
  • Wastelanders traded with settled peoples, avoided extortion
  • Arameans overran Assyria after Bronze Age collapse
  • Arameans enslaved Assyrians, causing food shortages and civil unrest

45:23

Levant's Historical Evolution and Cultural Riches

  • Israel and Judah split after the Libyan Pharaoh Shoshank invaded the Levant, ending a period of unity under a single monarchy.
  • There is an alternate theory suggesting Israel and Judah evolved as separate states, though the conventional view prevails.
  • Archaeological activity in the Levant is vibrant, leading to frequent discoveries that enhance historical understanding.
  • Post-Bronze Age collapse, Levantine city-states experienced a golden age due to reduced external threats.
  • During the 10th and 9th centuries BC, cities in Egypt, Assyria, and Elam operated more independently, focusing on self-interest.
  • Phoenicia, Philistia, and Neo-Hittite city-states cooperated but maintained fierce independence, occasionally engaging in conflict.
  • Libyan Pharaoh Shoshank united Egypt, establishing a foreign dynasty that ruled for over 200 years before fragmentation and conquest by Kush.
  • Nomadic herdsmen thrived post-collapse due to mobility, efficient family units, and survival skills, offering a competitive advantage.
  • Bronze remains valuable for statues, musical instruments, industrial components, nautical tools, and more due to its strength and corrosion resistance.
  • Merchants and blacksmiths were likely to survive the collapse due to negotiation skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability to hostile environments.
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