Part 2: The Collapse – Theories and Debates
Welcome back to the second installment of our three-part series on the Bronze Age Collapse. In the previous post, we set the stage by exploring the Bronze Age and its glory. Now, we delve into the theories and debates surrounding its sudden and dramatic collapse.
The collapse of the Bronze Age civilizations was not a slow decline but a rapid fall. Within a span of a few decades around 1200 BC, almost every significant city in the eastern Mediterranean world was destroyed. This period, often referred to as a ‘systems collapse’, saw the disintegration of political structures, economic systems, and cultural norms.
One of the most popular theories is the Sea Peoples Theory. It suggests that a confederation of naval raiders known as the ‘Sea Peoples’ invaded and destroyed the civilizations. These enigmatic invaders are often depicted in Egyptian records, but their exact identity and origins remain a mystery. Were they a single group or a coalition of seafaring raiders? The debate continues.
Another theory points to climate change. Paleoclimatological data suggests a severe and prolonged drought occurred around the time of the collapse. This could have led to widespread famine and instability, disrupting trade routes and leading to social unrest.
Yet another theory suggests internal social and political factors, such as rebellion or political infighting, led to the collapse. The truth is likely a combination of these factors, and the debate among historians and archaeologists continues. The Bronze Age Collapse is a complex puzzle, with many pieces still missing or yet to be fully understood.
In our next and final post, we’ll explore the aftermath of the collapse and the archaeological evidence that helps us piece together this puzzle. We’ll delve into the ruins and relics left behind, seeking to understand the profound changes that occurred during this tumultuous time. Don’t miss it!
Citations:
- Cline, Eric H. “1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed.” Princeton University Press, 2014. https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691140896/1177-bc
- Sandars, N.K. “The Sea Peoples: Warriors of the Ancient Mediterranean, 1250-1150 BC.” Thames and Hudson, 1978. https://www.worldcat.org/title/sea-peoples-warriors-of-the-ancient-mediterranean-1250-1150-bc/oclc/4494651
- Kaniewski, D., et al. “Climate change and socio-economic collapse: a model based on the Bronze Age collapse.” PLOS ONE, 2019. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0216366
Ruins and Relics 