Reference no: EM132458933

1st Discussion Topic

Towards the end of the Bronze Age (c. 1600 b,c.e. - c.1100b.c.e) the most powerful civilizations in the E. Mediterranean and Middle East experienced failure (e.g. New Kingdom Egypt) or in some cases extinction. (e.g. the Hittites)

Why was there a general universal breakdown or collapse of several of these major civilizations by the end of the Bronze Age?

(1) Using the readings available to you, consider the facts that explain why the early civilizations of this period - Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Hittite -even Mycenaean- were able to flourish at the outset

Then (2) explain why civilizations such as these were, in some cases, destroyed by the end of the Bronze Age (i.e ca. 1100 bce.)

Avoid simplistic answers and consider the complex interplay of forces that may combine to bring about a systemic failure of societies such as these. Are there lessons that make the study of these issues relevant to our own age?

(3) from your own critical evaluation of the facts, show how the history of the period of the late bronze age mentioned above could be both a "time of troubles" but also an "age of growing opportunities" for many of the societies of the ancient Middle East until c.500 b.c.e

Instructor's note:

This topic asks you to consider the causes of the late 'bronze age crises' in the E. Mediterranean and Middle East. A thoughtful response should 'weigh' the information that is given. Reveal some thinking around the facts. For example (and this is only one example or aspect of the bigger topic) we are told in the text that the Hittite Kingdom of Anatolia (check atlas) was destroyed by invasions of Sea Peoples. If one stops to look at this, one should immediately have questions.

We know that the Hittites were (together with Egypt) one of the 'super-powers of the later Bronze Age. They forced the mighty Egyptian Empire to negotiate a treaty after the battle of Kadesh. The Hittites are credited with being the first to discover iron technology. Given these facts, how was it possible for marauding Sea Peoples (itinerant bands- possibly refugees from Mycenae or the Hittite periphery; tribes from N. of Anatolia ?) who appear to be more like aggressive refugees fleeing from trouble spots elsewhere in the Near East and E. Mediterranean - therefore unlikely to have more sophisticated or advanced technology - able to bring down the powerful Hittite state. It does suggest that there must have been other underlying factors. (For comment on the Hittites see the video link that follows.) The longer video program on the mysterious Sea Peoples' is well worth the time for the valuable insights and explanations that it provides in relation to this assignment.)