More than 3200 years ago, a vast, interconnected civilization thrived. Then it suddenly collapsed. What happened ?

Major civilizations of the Bronze Age at the time of its collapse include Egypt, Mycenaean Greece, Minoans, Hittite Empire, Assyria, Babylonia, and others. Many great cities and capitals arose during the age, including in Egypt with its capital of Thebes, Mycenae, capital of Mycenaean Greece, Knossos at Crete,  Hattusa the capital of the Hittites, Assur in Assyria and Babylon in Babylonia.

Bronze Age collapse caused many cities to be either destroyed or abandoned completely. This led to the rise of smaller communities with a reliance on more simple technologies. The use of iron became more prevalent. Other changes led to a lack of literacy, the collapse of centralized government, and disrupted trade networks. The direct aftermath of the Bronze Age collapse resulted in what is referred to as Greek Dark Ages, where the successes of the Bronze Age began to become a time of legend to those who came after. Among Greeks, stories of King Agamemnon and the war with Troy became legendary.

What caused the Bronze Age collapse ?

Scholars disagree as to the exact causes of Bronze Age collapse. There are many theories as to the causes, but most agree a series of events happened in rapid succession in a short period of time to cause the collapse. These include natural disasters and disease, disruption of trade, migrations and population changes, as well as invasions and rebellions.

Researchers think that natural disasters played a major role in the collapse. While earthquakes were common in Mediterranean during late Bronze Age, it is possible that multiple successive earthquakes were a contributing factor to the destruction of many populated areas. Climate change may have played a role as well as there is evidence that many of the areas affected saw a gradual decline in rainfall, which would have led to droughts that would have affected crop production, leading to famine. These ecological disasters were likely the root cause of collapse. It has been suggested that epidemics of diseases, such as the bubonic plague and smallpox, could have played a role in the collapse. Other possible natural causes include volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, or even debris from comets.

The lack of stability within cultures during Bronze Age collapse led to mass migrations of people. This happened in approximately a short span of 50 years between 1200-1150 BC. Many new groups started to appear from north and southeast of the regions affected. These include Dorians, Phrygians and Macedonians among others.

Evidence for the collapse can be found in both archaeological and written sources. However, scholars disagree over the exact causes and exact identity of Sea Peoples. Although more archaeological research needs to be done, a lot of evidence has already been found to show evidence of the collapse. For example, during the period of 1250-1100 BC, radiocarbon dating applied to core samples from the Sea of Galilee indicate that during late Bronze Age there was an over one hundred year period of severe drought. Researchers Eric Cline and Amos Nur found evidence during same time period of multiple earthquakes that affected the region.

Bronze Age Collapse marks a significant period in history. It shows how systems that are highly interconnected are vulnerable to catastrophes, and how disasters that affect one affect all. This should serve as an important lesson for today, where we live in a world that is also highly interconnected economically, politically and socially. It should remind us that what happened then, could happen today if circumstances arise that the systems in place cannot control.

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