1177 B.C.: When Civilization Collapsed | Eric Cline

Long Now Seminars
19 Apr 202091:30
EducationalLearning
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TLDRIn this talk, Eric Cline explores the fragility and interconnectedness of civilizations, focusing on the Late Bronze Age. He discusses the flourishing of the 'G8' of the ancient world, including the Minoans, Mycenaeans, Hittites, and Egyptians, and how their globalized society collapsed around 1200 BC. Cline suggests a 'perfect storm' of drought, famine, invasions, earthquakes, and trade route disruptions led to this collapse, and draws parallels to modern-day global challenges.

Takeaways
  • 🌍 The Late Bronze Age (1700-1200 BC) was a period of remarkable global interconnectedness and cultural exchange, often referred to as the 'g8' of the ancient world.
  • 🏺 The Bronze Age civilizations were robust due to their trade networks, which facilitated the exchange of raw materials like copper, tin, and finished goods across vast distances.
  • 📜 The Amarna letters and other archaeological findings provide evidence of diplomatic correspondence and trade agreements between ancient kingdoms, highlighting the complexity of their international relations.
  • 🌧️ The collapse of these civilizations around 1200 BC remains a historical mystery, with potential causes including droughts, famines, invasions, and earthquakes.
  • 💡 The term 'Sea Peoples' refers to a confederation of seafaring raiders who are thought to have contributed to the collapse of the Late Bronze Age civilizations, but their origins and ultimate fate are still debated.
  • 🏰 The city of Ugarit, among others, was destroyed during this period, with evidence of both internal rebellion and external invasions contributing to its downfall.
  • 🔍 The study of pollen, archaeological records, and correspondence from the period provide insights into the environmental and societal factors leading to the collapse of these civilizations.
  • 🏙️ The concept of 'systems collapse' is introduced to describe the interconnected nature of the Bronze Age civilizations' decline, emphasizing the domino effect of one civilization's fall on its neighbors.
  • 📚 The loss of the Late Bronze Age civilizations meant the disappearance of writing systems, monumental architecture, and other hallmarks of civilization, leading to a period known as the Greek Dark Ages.
  • 🤔 The speaker suggests that studying the collapse of ancient civilizations may offer lessons for our own potentially interconnected and vulnerable global society.
Q & A
  • What is the significance of the 'long short' in the context of the talk?

    -The 'long short' refers to a short film that exemplifies long-term thinking. It is a part of the tradition at the beginning of talks at Long Now, showcasing a piece that encourages consideration of the长远 perspective beyond immediate concerns.

  • What challenges are associated with finding suitable 'long shorts'?

    -Finding suitable 'long shorts' is difficult because they must effectively capture and convey the essence of long-term thinking, which requires a deep understanding of both the subject matter and the ability to communicate it in a concise and impactful manner.

  • What is the time frame that the Long Now Foundation is focusing on?

    -The Long Now Foundation is focusing on the next 10,000 years, aiming to calibrate how we think about time and history in the context of eternity.

  • What was the significance of the Late Bronze Age according to the speaker?

    -The Late Bronze Age (1700 to 1200 BC) was a period of significant cultural, economic, and military development, often referred to as the 'G8 of the ancient world'. It was a time of relative globalization, with extensive trade networks, diplomatic interactions, and cultural exchanges among civilizations.

  • What are some of the key civilizations that were part of the Late Bronze Age 'g8'?

    -The key civilizations included the Minoans and Mycenaeans of Greece, the Hittites in Turkey, the Mitani in Mesopotamia, the Assyrians and Babylonians, the Egyptians, and the Canaanites.

  • How did the interconnectedness of civilizations during the Late Bronze Age contribute to both its robustness and fragility?

    -The interconnectedness allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and diplomatic relations, which strengthened the civilizations. However, it also meant that disruptions in one area could quickly spread, as seen in the collapse of the Bronze Age, where a series of interconnected events led to the downfall of multiple civilizations.

  • What is the mystery that the speaker aims to address in their book?

    -The speaker aims to address the mystery of the sudden collapse of the Late Bronze Age civilizations, exploring the potential causes and the interconnectedness of these civilizations in their downfall.

  • What was the significance of the Battle of Kadesh?

    -The Battle of Kadesh was a significant military conflict between the Hittites and the Egyptians, demonstrating the extent of warfare and the complex diplomatic relations among the civilizations of the Late Bronze Age.

  • How did the speaker's wife contribute to understanding the interconnectedness of the Late Bronze Age civilizations?

    -The speaker's wife, Diane Kline, created a social network diagram that visually represented the connections among the different civilizations, illustrating the 'six degrees of Kevin Bacon' effect and the small-world phenomenon of the Late Bronze Age.

  • What is the significance of the Uluburun shipwreck in understanding Late Bronze Age trade?

    -The Uluburun shipwreck, dating back to around 1300 BC, provides tangible evidence of the international trade networks of the Late Bronze Age. It contained a vast amount of bronze ingots, tin, and other valuable goods, indicating the scale and sophistication of trade during this period.

Outlines
00:00
🎬 Introduction to Long-term Thinking

The speaker, Alexander, introduces the concept of 'long short' - a short film exemplifying long-term thinking. He acknowledges the difficulty in finding suitable films and encourages the audience to submit their own. He sets the stage for the evening's topic, which is about the fragility and robustness of civilizations, using the long short as a starting point. The speaker, Stuart Brand, further elaborates on the long now foundation's mission to think about time and history in the context of the next 10,000 years.

05:01
🏺 The Late Bronze Age: A Globalized Society

The speaker, Eric Cline, takes the audience back to the Late Bronze Age (1700 to 1200 BC), a period he considers the peak of ancient civilization, often referred to as the 'g8' of the ancient world. He describes this era as a time of prosperity, diplomacy, and trade, where civilizations were interconnected, leading to a form of globalization. He mentions significant figures like Hatshepsut, Moses, and Ramses II, and discusses the societal structure, trade routes, and the extensive network of interactions among different civilizations.

10:05
🛶 Trade and Interactions in the Bronze Age

The speaker delves into the specifics of trade and interactions among the civilizations of the Late Bronze Age. He discusses the importance of bronze and the need for tin and copper, which were traded over long distances. He provides examples of trade items, such as a weapon from Crete and sandals destined for the palace of Hammurabi. The speaker also touches on the social network of the time, highlighting the interconnectedness of the civilizations and the impact of trade on their economies and societies.

15:05
🚢 Maritime Trade and the Minoans

The speaker discusses the maritime trade practices of the Late Bronze Age, focusing on the Minoans and their extensive trade network. He describes the trade routes, the types of goods exchanged, and the significance of Cyprus as a source of copper. The speaker also mentions the role of the Minoans in the trade of finished goods and raw materials, providing evidence from Mari letters and other archaeological findings. He emphasizes the Minoans' role in the broader trade network that included Egypt, the Hittites, and other civilizations.

20:06
🌊 The Uluburun Shipwreck: A Microcosm of International Trade

The speaker presents the findings of the Uluburun shipwreck as a case study of international trade during the Late Bronze Age. The ship, which sank around 1300 BC, contained a vast amount of copper, tin, glass, resin, ivory, and pottery, indicating extensive trade networks. The speaker suggests that the ship's cargo reflects the interconnectedness of the civilizations and the complexity of their trade relationships. He also discusses the potential origins and destinations of the ship, highlighting the significance of the shipwreck in understanding the Late Bronze Age economy.

25:09
📜 The Role of Writing in Trade and Diplomacy

The speaker explores the role of written communication in the trade and diplomacy of the Late Bronze Age. He references the Amarna letters, which provide insights into the diplomatic relations and trade agreements among civilizations. The speaker also discusses the importance of Akkadian as a lingua franca, facilitating communication and trade among diverse civilizations. He emphasizes the value of these written records in understanding the complexities of the Late Bronze Age society and its eventual collapse.

30:11
🏺 The Collapse of the Late Bronze Age Civilizations

The speaker discusses the mysterious collapse of the Late Bronze Age civilizations, which occurred rapidly and affected multiple interconnected civilizations. He notes that while the sea peoples are often blamed for the collapse, they may have been as much victims as they were agents of destruction. The speaker suggests that a 'perfect storm' of drought, famine, invasions, earthquakes, and possibly other factors contributed to the collapse. He also discusses the challenges in pinpointing a single cause, given the complex and interconnected nature of the civilizations involved.

35:13
🌍 The Globalized Society of the Late Bronze Age

The speaker compares the Late Bronze Age society to modern globalization, suggesting that the interconnectedness of civilizations at the time is similar to today's world. He discusses the potential parallels between the collapse of the Late Bronze Age and current global challenges, such as climate change and political instability. The speaker emphasizes the importance of studying the collapse to understand how interconnected societies can prevent or mitigate similar disasters in the future.

40:16
📚 The Dark Age Following the Collapse

The speaker discusses the aftermath of the Late Bronze Age collapse, often referred to as the Greek Dark Ages. He describes the loss of writing, monumental architecture, and other hallmarks of civilization. He also touches on the concept of a 'systems collapse' and the subsequent rebuilding process, which varied in duration depending on the region. The speaker suggests that the collapse and subsequent dark age allowed for new ideas and innovations to emerge, such as the use of iron and the development of new writing systems.

45:17
🏛️ The Scale of Civilizations and Their Vulnerabilities

The speaker discusses the scale of cities, kingdoms, armies, and navies during the Late Bronze Age, emphasizing that they were not as large as might be imagined. He also addresses the nature of the migrations and invasions, suggesting that they were more akin to migrations seeking new settlements rather than purely destructive invasions. The speaker highlights the vulnerability of prosperous societies to sudden and multiple disasters, and the difficulty in preparing for or preventing such collapses.

50:20
🗣️ Languages and Communication in the Bronze Age

The speaker talks about the languages spoken during the Late Bronze Age and the existence of a lingua franca, Akkadian, which facilitated communication and diplomacy among different civilizations. He also discusses the importance of writing in administrative and trade practices, and the potential for future archaeological discoveries of written records that could provide further insights into the period.

55:21
🏰 The Future of Archaeology and Lessons from the Past

The speaker reflects on the future of archaeology, emphasizing the potential for new technologies and methodologies to revolutionize the field. He discusses the importance of preserving archaeological sites for future generations with better tools and knowledge. The speaker also contemplates the potential misinterpretations future archaeologists might make when studying remnants of our modern civilization, such as motels and fast-food chains.

00:23
🎭 Concluding Thoughts on the Late Bronze Age

The speaker concludes the discussion with a reflection on the stories that continue to emerge from the study of the Late Bronze Age. He expresses his enthusiasm for the ongoing discoveries and the new narratives that are being uncovered by archaeologists. The speaker leaves the audience with a sense of curiosity and anticipation for future archaeological findings.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Long Now
Long Now is a concept introduced in the video that refers to a long-term thinking perspective, specifically considering the next 10,000 years into the future. It is associated with the Long Now Foundation, which is involved in projects like building a clock that will last for 10,000 years. The concept challenges conventional thinking about time and history, aiming to promote a deeper understanding of the past and a more thoughtful approach to the future.
💡Civilization's Fragility
The term 'civilization's fragility' refers to the vulnerability of complex societies to collapse or significant change, often due to a combination of internal and external factors. In the video, this concept is explored through the examination of the Late Bronze Age civilizations, which despite their interconnectedness and robustness, experienced a sudden and dramatic decline.
💡Globalization
Globalization in the context of the video refers to the interconnectedness and interdependence of different regions and civilizations during the Late Bronze Age. It highlights the extent to which ancient societies engaged in trade, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, creating a network of interactions that spanned vast distances. However, it also underscores the potential risks associated with such interconnectedness, as disruptions in one part of the network could have far-reaching effects.
💡Sea Peoples
The 'Sea Peoples' is a term used to describe a group of maritime invaders who are believed to have contributed to the collapse of several civilizations around the Late Bronze Age. Their identity and origin remain a subject of debate among historians, but they are known from Egyptian records to have caused significant disruptions, including the sack of cities and the disruption of trade routes.
💡Collapse of Civilizations
The 'collapse of civilizations' refers to the sudden and dramatic decline or fall of complex societies, often marked by the loss of centralized power, economic decline, and societal upheaval. In the video, this concept is central to understanding the historical events around 1200 BC, where multiple interconnected civilizations experienced a rapid and mysterious decline.
💡Bronze Age
The Bronze Age is a historical period characterized by the use of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, for tools and weapons. It began around 3000 BC and collapsed around 1200 BC. The video discusses the Bronze Age in the context of the Late Bronze Age, a time of flourishing civilizations that were globally interconnected through trade and diplomacy but ultimately experienced a mysterious collapse.
💡Trade Routes
Trade routes refer to the paths or networks used for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices between different regions or civilizations. In the video, the significance of trade routes during the Late Bronze Age is emphasized, as they facilitated the movement of essential materials like bronze, copper, and tin, as well as finished goods, across vast distances, contributing to the interconnectedness of civilizations.
💡Drought
Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water scarcity and potentially devastating effects on agriculture, human health, and the environment. In the context of the video, drought is considered as one of the potential causes for the collapse of Late Bronze Age civilizations, as it could have led to famine, economic hardship, and social unrest.
💡Egyptian Chronicles
Egyptian Chronicles refer to the historical records and narratives created by the ancient Egyptians, which provide insights into their history, culture, and interactions with other civilizations. In the video, the speaker uses the term to highlight the detailed accounts of the Sea Peoples' invasions as recorded by the Egyptians, which are crucial for understanding the events leading up to the collapse of civilizations.
💡Linguistic Analysis
Linguistic analysis involves the study of language structure, history, and use to understand and interpret textual evidence. In the context of the video, linguistic analysis is used to decipher ancient texts and inscriptions, which are vital for uncovering the history and interactions of Late Bronze Age civilizations.
💡Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological evidence refers to the physical remains and artifacts that are excavated and studied to learn about past human cultures and their environments. In the video, archaeological evidence is crucial for understanding the collapse of Late Bronze Age civilizations, providing tangible data on trade, societal structures, and the impacts of various environmental and societal stressors.
Highlights

The talk begins with an introduction to the concept of 'long-term thinking' and the importance of finding exemplars of it, known as 'long shorts'.

The speaker, Eric Cline, discusses the fragility and robustness of civilizations, particularly in relation to their interconnectedness.

The Late Bronze Age (1700 to 1200 BC) is described as a period of flourishing and globalization, with significant interactions between various ancient civilizations.

Cline highlights the importance of trade routes, mentioning the need for tin from Afghanistan and how it was as crucial as oil is today.

The speaker discusses the social network of the Late Bronze Age, showing how interconnected the rulers of different civilizations were.

The collapse of the Bronze Age civilizations around 1200 BC is presented as a mystery, with Cline aiming to explore the reasons behind it.

Cline suggests that the term 'globalized' can be applied to the Late Bronze Age, indicating the extent of trade and cultural exchange at the time.

The speaker delves into the specifics of the Bronze Age collapse, mentioning the potential roles of drought, famine, invaders, and earthquakes.

The Sea Peoples are identified as a significant factor in the Late Bronze Age collapse, but Cline argues that they were as much victims as they were aggressors.

Cline discusses the evidence of drought from pollen samples and other scientific studies, indicating a 300-year dry event around the time of the collapse.

The speaker explores the possibility of internal rebellions contributing to the collapse, rather than just external invaders.

Cline presents the idea of a 'perfect storm' of multiple factors leading to the collapse, rather than a single cause.

The speaker discusses the aftermath of the collapse, including the Greek Dark Ages and the eventual resurgence of civilizations.

Cline draws parallels between the Late Bronze Age collapse and current global issues, such as climate change and mass migrations.

The talk concludes with a call to study the collapse to learn lessons for preventing similar occurrences in the future.

Transcripts
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