The Collapse of the Bronze Age
In The Collapse of the Bronze Age, archaeologist and historian Richard Miles describes the dramatic fall of the Bronze Age, which brought about a dark period. During this dark time, cities shrank, people were less connected, and writing faltered, but society managed to continue. This video is excerpted from BBC’s Ancient Worlds, an epic series with archaeologist and historian Richard Miles as he explores the roots of civilization from Mesopotamia to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Lesson Express
Q: What evidence points to the fall of Megiddo?
A: Archaeological evidence shows a significant fire destruction layer about one meter thick near the palace of Megiddo, around 1130BC. This is attributed to an attack by the sea people.
Q: What features of civilization disappeared during the collapse of the Bronze Age?
A: Writing, large-scale trade, and interconnected societies all disappeared. Cities diminished, agriculture declined, and peoples’ lives became more isolated and localized.
Q: What changed during the dark ages?
A: There was a decrease in connectivity.
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