2. The Bronze Age Collapse - Mediterranean Apocalypse

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Sometime around the year 1100 BC, right at the end of the Bronze Age, a wave of destruction washed over the Eastern Mediterranean. It wiped whole civilizations off the map, and left only ash and ruin in its wake.
This catastrophe, known as “the Late Bronze Age Collapse”, has become one of the enduring puzzles of archaeology. I want to explore how so many societies could collapse all at once, and seemingly without warning, as well as examine the lessons it might teach us in our increasingly globalised and interconnected world.
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Credits:
Voice Actors:
Shem Jacobs
Jacob Rollinson
Jake Barrett-Mills
Bryan Tshiobi
Helena Bacon
Music by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-fre…isrc=USUAN1100209
Artist: incompetech.com/
Title theme: Home At Last by John Bartmann. johnbartmann.com/
Sources:
Baker, Andy; et al. (1995). ‘The Hekla 3 volcanic eruption recorded in a Scottish speleothem?’. The Holocene. 5 (3): 336-342. doi:10.1177/095968369500500309
Bell, Carol. The merchants of Ugarit: oligarchs of the Late Bronze Age trade in metals? EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN METALLURGY AND METALWORK, 180. 2012.
Bietak, Manfred. ‘Minoan Presence in the Pharaonic Naval Base of ‘Peru-Nefer.’’ British School at Athens Studies, vol. 18, 2010, pp. 11-24. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/23276759. Accessed 10 July 2023.
Breated, James Henry. Ancient Records of Egypt: The twentieth to the twenty-sixth dynasties. United States, University of Illinois Press, 2001.
Bryce, Trevor, and Bryce, Trevor Robert. The kingdom of the Hittites. United Kingdom, Oxford University Press, 2005.
---------- Warriors of Anatolia: A Concise History of the Hittites. United Kingdom, Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018.
Cemal Pulak, The Uluburun shipwreck: an overview. The International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, Volume 27, Issue 3, 1998, Pages 188-224,ISSN 1057-2414, doi.org/10.1016/S1057-2414(98....
Cline, Eric H.. 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilisation Collapsed. United Kingdom, Princeton University Press, 2014.
Cohen, Yoram. The ‘Hunger Years’ and the ‘Sea Peoples’: Preliminary Observations on the Recently Published Letters from the ‘House of Urtenu’ Archive at Ugarit. 2021, SBL: Atlanta.
Collapse and Transformation: The Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age in the Aegean. United Kingdom, Oxbow Books, 2020.
Collins, Billie Jean. The Hittites and Their World. United States, SBL Press, 2007.
Drews, Robert. The End of the Bronze Age: Changes in Warfare and the Catastrophe Ca. 1200 B.C. - Third Edition. United Kingdom, Princeton University Press, 1993.
Grattan; Gilbertson (2000). ‘Prehistoric 'settlement crisis', environmental changes in the British Isles, and volcanic eruptions in Iceland: An explorarion of plausible linkages’.
Historical Records of Ramesses III.: The Texts in Medinet Habu Volumes I and II. United States, University of Chicago Press, 1936.
Homerus. The Iliad, rendered into Engl. blank verse, by Edward earl of Derby. To which are appended translations of poems ancient and modern. United Kingdom, n.p, 1867.
Medinet Habu inscription of Ramesses III's 8th year (1178 B.C.E.), lines 16-17, trans. by John A. Wilson in Pritchard, J.B. (ed.) Ancient Near Eastern Texts relating to the Old Testament, 3rd edition, Princeton 1969
Megadrought and Collapse: From Early Agriculture to Angkor. United States, Oxford University Press, 2017.
Nougayrol, Jean; Laroche, Emmanuel; Virolleaud, Charles (1968). Ugaritica. V: nouveaux textes accadiens, hourrites et ugaritiques des archives et bibliothèques privées d'Ugarit. Stony Brook University.
Pritchard, James B., editor. Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament with Supplement. Princeton University Press, 1978. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt19wccw4. Accessed 10 July 2023.
Tainter, Joseph. The Collapse of Complex Societies. United Kingdom, Cambridge University Press, 1988.
Wyatt, Nick. Religious texts from Ugarit. United Kingdom, Bloomsbury Academic, 2002.Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. United States, Pennsylvania State University Press, 2006.
Yon, Marguerite. The City of Ugarit at Tell Ras Shamra. United States, Pennsylvania State University Press, 2006.
Yurco, Frank J. (1999). ‘End of the Late Bronze Age and Other Crisis Periods: A Volcanic Cause’. In Teeter, Emily; Larson John (eds.). Gold of Praise: Studies on Ancient Egypt in Honor of Edward F. Wente. Studies in Ancient Oriental Civilisation. Vol. 58. Chicago, IL: Oriental Institute of the Univ. of Chicago. pp. 456-458.

[@timsullivan4566]

After watching/listening to 14 episodes I have developed a much broader understanding of the evolution of human social structures. Nothing else in my 67 years - no other books, films, documentaries, courses, or lectures - NONE have come close to igniting the passionate interest in history for which I credit this series. I cannot thank you enough and hope to soon be bn a position to put a bit of money where my mouth is.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks my friend, very kind of you.

[@davidtyndall3786]

Come down now Dave. This isn’t the zBible letttle Framptin. @“I’ll never Eve r come down. Never. Eve are. Come down.

[@davidtyndall3786]

Filthy mysterious conqueror, That’s more like it !

[@Persev444]

Given the flame of knowledge and of learning, can you now advise and give warning to future generations as to the whereabouts of the scourge of civilizations : the mechanizations and plagues surrounding the sea peoples? Where are they now ? For obviously after their trail of attacking egypt twice ; they still must now be here on Earth or rather their scions? Ramses only repelled the destroyers of the known civilizations ; they are not vanquished from history or are they?

[@klausschwabshubris]

@@Persev444 I’m sure they are very near to repeat the very same collapse, 2023 is the moment that historians will choose to use while describing the latest fall.

[@lelanddyer9461]

When I was a kid, I was fascinated with the History Channel, as it satiated my ravenous hunger of years past. Since they went the route of MTV, I've been looking for a content creator of quality. I'll stop looking now.

[@PumpkinBread2]

Right?!

[@sirfer6969]

Agreed 100%. This series is gold.

[@Throku]

It's a shame though that a lot of the history out there we will not be shown. In south america they refuse to dig below a certain level. The ruins obviousky go deeper, but they calim they don't since they claim ancestry to the ones who built the ruions you can see, but ignore the ruins that those structures are buit on top of. Same thing with the ocean. Nearly all human settlement has always been by the water and now the waterlevel is on average 120 meters (400 feet) higher than it used to be, but no one bothers to look at the old coastlines. And in Egypt they've purpously kept things from the public, even weird things like tunnels that you can see when visiting, barred off, but not on the maps of the pyramids. Or the space under the Sphinx. There's nothing under the sphinx they say, but why are there shafts at the base of the Sphinx that one can clearly see that lead into darkness underneath it then?

[@davidc5191]

And as mentioned in this video, the History Channel has devolved into endless speculation of ancient aliens - talk about the collapse of civilization!

[@kyle18934]

@@davidc5191 the collapse of older media companies and the resurgence of others. Its like the history of nations, but much, much faster

[@thedonofm-town1856]

This channel/podcast is what happens when highly intelligent, passionate, talented, and creative people get to do what they want to do.. without anyone telling them how or what to actually do. I've watched episodes many times and each time the creator invites you into an emotional and thought-provoking journey- not only into the fascinating past but, a deep and piercing introspective look into us as humans living the human condition. Outstanding. I will donate when I find work again! Thank you for these gifts of wonder.

[@veramae4098]

My very best wishes to you. One of the strangest job openings I've run across is with the Internet archives. No. (It's been awhile, thinking.) Project Gutenberg that's it, is seeking to copy all books out of U.S. copyright. They are frequently hiring scanners. They'll send you the equipment, and stacks of books. I don't remember the pay, but originally when I was looking at it, looks as if a lot of people do it part time at home.

[@casteretpollux]

@@veramae4098 thankyou

[@bluesunquake]

I did as a volunteer

[@roselightinstorms727]

Ancient Aliens will not help. That is putting everything not in reality about the truth 😮

[@jackiemaddox4577]

I agree!

[@MyYTaccountName]

I listen to this particular episode once a week, usually before bed when I have the next day off from work. Such a relaxing story to fall asleep and dream to. I sincerely love your work. Godspeed. ❤

[@bryananderson3772]

Nothing like falling asleep to the brutal mysterious end of civilizations... I do the same

[@hairbartletdaisydogworth8102]

A beginning, a middle and an end. A first class example of documentary film making allied with the gift of a master storyteller. Hooked and enthralled by this gem of a channel. Thank you Paul.

[@jpknzala8864]

Widely accepted vs widely debated…since UNESCO acknowledged the ruins as being of Troy then we can assume that many scholars have agreed or tend to agree …so widely accepted! I would love to hear the arguments of those who still debate…

[@jpknzala8864]

Lol…dude deleted his comment. Now I appear here like a fool replying out of context and debating alone !

[@matthewlamont4416]

@@jpknzala8864 bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbnb

[@matthewlamont4416]

@@jpknzala8864 bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbnb

[@HoboHiney]

Are We at the End of our World?

[@billgaetz337]

Where were you when as a young boy of the early 40s I was studying history in school, what a joy it would have been to have had this medium in those days and people such as yourself as teachers.

[@jonzenrael]

Absolutely, i'm only in my mid 30s myself and it's clear we're very spoilt these days with access to information.

[@andrewaronson3364]

we are building whole new kinds of humans, with all these difference s

[@azraelkahn1836]

@@jonzenrael I like that I can learn all this really easy

[@gabe1ist]

as a 21 year old I do not take for granted how widely accessible knowledge is now. Especially when it comes to history documentaries. This format is so much easier to digest than old books.

[@dudepool7530]

And I thought that I felt like I live in the future!

[@dickwhelehan8757]

I watched,the fall of Assyrria five times over five months . I've just realised it's part of a magnificent series of outstanding quality. Oh the joy, the joy

[@KellyBell1]

😂 I figured I was the only person who watches great documentaries over more than once. Love history and especially well made documentaries. I ❤ History!

[@dickwhelehan8757]

​@@KellyBell1 yep me too, so interesting and so well made .

[@emmabovary1228]

I can’t help but rewatch my favorite episodes. Mostly because I feel I was robbed in college because obviously, no one ever created such a interesting, thoughtful and magnificent presentation as this channels creator. Knowledge is power. And this creator is brilliant!

[@kevonz1]

In his novel "The Sun Also Rises" Hemingway describes how the end comes about when you lose everything. One character asks "How did it happen". The other responds "Gradually then Suddenly". It never fails to surprise me how most people think the most complex civilisation ever in history is immune to collapse. In reality we're in the 'Gradual' phase. The late great Albert Bartlett famously said "One of the greatest shortcomings of the human race is our inability to truly understand the exponential function".

[@FallofCivilizations]

I love this, thanks for the comment!

[@bobs182]

We tend to think that our slight divergence from instinctual behavior we call intelligence is so special and great while instinct has passed the test of time. Most of what we call intelligence is how to interact with other people which goes along with our tribal instincts. It is evident from this video how ancient tribal civilizations readily destroyed each other. World War 2 has been over 75 years and we have a rise of nationalism in the US and some other countries.

[@savioblanc]

We seem to be moving rapidly towards the "Suddenly" part of civilisation

[@keithstewart934]

June 2020 in the US seems like a prequel to The Turner Diaries.

[@stevenscummy1458]

the romans probably didn't even dream of technology, we think we're super advanced and are by comparison but who knows how primitive we may look 2000 years in the future

[@jimmyjigz]

imagine how it must feel to pass from a golden age of civilization to one of rubble and ruin, *looks out window

[@andrewaronson3364]

we'll have a lot of caveman/history scholars this time around, maybe

[@grantstout8364]

We live in a rare time of science.

[@JL-fq3jc]

Thank a democrat

[@jimmyjigz]

@ right.. who are these seapeoples....

[@jimmyjigz]

@Budget Cheese someone believed everything they were told..

[@TheFlyingBrain.]

You teach history in the deepest tradition of our kind: As a master storyteller... As a traveling bard come to bring far worlds home, in tales told to the people gathered close 'round the fire at night. Thank you! Every one of these has been a hit with me. You've brought history alive again.

[@overlandecuador8893]

You are the man! I don’t know how you do this but these are epic. I lived in Turkey for 5 years when I was a boy into young teen. In the 70’s the ruins were not a tourist attraction. My brother and I spent hours in Ephesus and many other ruin sites in Turkey. We spent a lot of time snorkeling the Aegean. Going back this fall after 46 years. Love this content and the way you make it come alive!

[@mrmoore2050]

7:30 ... "Its a second century version of the history channel's ancient aliens conspiracy theories today" Me: Is there such a thing as a Mic-Drop-Slow-Clap? That was great. Your channel is what the History Channel should be.

[@TabariGames]

It's what the History Channel used to be.

[@kyle18934]

@@TabariGames I used to love watching modern marvels back when it was going.

[@expression3639]

Shade has been thrown.

[@robotmilker]

I think you have to drop the mic befor you slow-clap; but I get what you're saying and I wholeheartedly agree 🤣 *High-5*

[@MartinCanada]

True that the History Channel is a sad joke. But what's scary is that there's a business case for its approach and an audience for its drivel. Exhibit A for today's pervasive anti-intellectualism.

[@skidivr]

I was on a dig at Tel Aphek just outside Tel Aviv where we were at the Bronze Age level. There was a very distinct black layer. This was in 1974.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Fascinating, must have been quite a time!

[@resilience4lyfe331]

D Bradford I wasn’t born yet then. Such a hopeful 💭.... thanks I needed that today! Signed, Grandma

[@charlesaanonson3954]

@Eric Wright This is a different black mat layer. The layer that caused the death of the Megafauna occurred around 12,000 years ago and was caused by a meteor or comet collision with the earth. Some people think that there may have been another impact around 3,000 years ago as well,

[@josefschmeau4682]

A black layer found in 1974 😳? Jeeze, yeah , I remember those times. The dust was settling over a Mideast war ,Nixon was being thrown out of office,Disco was destroying music 😖 Those were bad times

[@bretmuldner]

@@Ftw24t I think its beautiful! so does everyone I know and the millions of tourist that come from all over the world to see it every year.

[@ElizabethAyotte]

Time Stamps Please feel free to add other important moments below if I've missed anything! Thank you Paul for such beautiful work! 0:00 Ruins of Hattusa 2:30 The Mysterious Wave of Destruction 3:37 Introduction and Welcome 5:53 The Iliad, Odyssey, and The City of Troy/Mycenea 11:38 Mediterranean Civilizations 13:05 Trade between City States 15:00 Bronze 18:16 The two main sources of information from this era 20:02 First Theory of Decline: The Sea Peoples 21:50 Ugarit 30:51 Egypt and Ramses III 42:00 The Decline of Mycenae, Hattusa, Elam, Babylon 44:35 Babylon 48:08 Second Theory: The Growth of Iron Use 50:30 Final Theory: Climate Change 53:15 Eruption of Hekla 3 56:35 An Alternative View of the Sea Peoples 1:00:21 Closing Thoughts

[@picahudsoniaunflocked5426]

Thanks, Timestamp Wizard!

[@jelasinikeren2626]

Thanks a lot

[@pinchevulpes]

Thanks Liz

[@penquinmaster]

7:35 Call out to History Channels bullcrap. I love the inclusion calling them out for their so called "History" shows.

[@stacya4815]

You You Place JB 😊iiuuiou tv 41:49 Mom

[@NautilusMusic]

I keep watching these over and over Partly because they're so interesting and partly because I fall asleep within 10 to 30 minutes every time Only ever finished the Sumerian one, but it's so relaxing to just chuck them on and lie there with my eyes closed I can't wait to see what comes in the future

[@bonnypop5764]

He is really very calming

[@mirofeya]

Yet it is soothing and interesting at the same time. I felt asleep gladly, but then woke up after a nap and reminded to story to relisten it.

[@lizeggar2421]

With that voice, he could read the telephone directory and I would listen.

[@chalice3571]

me too, slumbering within moments... yet still retain lots of interesting facts.... hello from USA

[@JustExperience101]

Lol I'm the same man

[@chrisebert]

When he said the classical Greeks couldn't believe that the bronze age Greeks built the megalithic sites that they did and so they attributed it to mythological figures and then he compares that to modern-day people who can't believe the ancients built the pyramids and so they attributed to aliens. This literally maybe just became my favorite channel on KZbin. It was already one of my favorites for putting an actual history documentaries instead of conspiracy theory junk but that was positively delicious

[@DylanWOWilliams]

"literally maybe", huh? That's pretty very certain!

[@andyanderson6522]

Literally? Did it literally? 😂🤣😂

[@andyanderson6522]

@@DylanWOWilliams filler words 😂🤣😂🤣

[@lecoureurdesbois86]

Believing in aliens is a little more than just conspiracy theories lol

[@Prodigi50]

@@lecoureurdesbois86 Believing in aliens is fine. Thinking that they’ve interfered with human development is what’s ridiculous.

[@willyreeves319]

imagine if the government school system taught history like this instead of a list of names and dates to be memorized. how many more people would find history something worth knowing? excellent presentation on something we know so little about, so far.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind!

[@richardc7721]

Years ago Texas had among the best educational system and taught history in much greater depth. I had a very good history teacher who had a way of holding the classes attention with stories of history. Then we moved to another state where there was less focus on history. I remember in a high school history class a fellow student asked the teacher, Why we had to learn stuff that's so pointless. Teachers reply, I agree with you. I love history and know that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

[@harrykuheim6107]

The Government is incompetent...these Videos are much better

[@ISO-guys]

So true, hour after hour of copying notes from the board with Mr Woods.

[@nicolaemaghiar9410]

No. Today is leftist doctrine. This garbage needs to be flushed.

[@play-doughsrepublic5121]

Thank you Paul. As a History teacher, I'm impressed with your analysis of this issue. A job well done. Thank you.

[@Bga1412]

This is probably my 5th time listening to this episode. I love the work you guys do, absolutely top notch content

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Manol, glad you enjoyed!

[@fidelogos7098]

Thanks for this. Several years ago, I read "1177 BC The Year Civilization Collapsed" by Eric Cline. It's along the same lines as this podcast, but the addition of audio and video in this telling made it more real. Even now, we are only one natural disaster away from something similar. Our lives are so short that, unless we remember our history, we forget how vulnerable we are.

[@Lawgang94]

was just about to post this I have the book now, ngl I had got sidetracked it put it down but I do plan on resuming when I have the time but 50 pages in I find it interesting so far and will finish.

[@paulheinrichdietrich9518]

There is also a lecture by him on the Bronze Age Collapse here in KZbin.

[@signoguns8501]

Especially now that we are so dependent on technology. I'd say that makes us even more vulnerable. We are very very spoiled and pampered compared to the ancients, we have little to no basic survival skills.

[@JayneTheory]

It's such a misleading title, though, as it seems to be an event localized to just the Mediterranean.

[@signoguns8501]

@@JayneTheory The area this happened, around the fertile crescent, is considered the cradle of civilization. This event crippled the biggest and most advanced civilizations of the age- all across Europe, the middle east, and north Africa. So, while yes, it is "just" the Mediterranean, there's no denying that it was a truly devastating blow to global civilization. The title is fair, I think. As long as you dont try to read too deeply into it

[@johnaldersley3328]

Deservedly overwhelmingly getting positive comment. Very professional in an age where conspiracy theory is rampant. Sets the cases and recognises the limitations of historical observations, while painting a very realistic picture of events leading to the collapse of late bronze age civilisations. And what a poignant ending.

[@GDMosey]

By far, my favorite episode so far. I would love to learn more about the Sea Peoples. If I were a farmer for half the year, and a Raider for one quarter of the year... History would remember me as a Raider.

[@elec123]

This channel is one of KZbins true gems. I will always try to spread the word of this library of knowledge.

[@TheLunacyofOurTimes]

This is one of the few discussions about the BA collapse that includes what are likely a confluence of all the factors.

[@TheVaughan5]

I keep returning to this podcast because as an amateur historian I find it so well presented and engrossing.

[@joereynolds6537]

this is better than most high budget documentaries. Your theories are well presented and you challenge established ideas with confidence and great research combining the archaeological historical and scientific records. Also, the sometimes chilling comparisons with our own, increasingly precarious civilisation show why history will always be such an important subject for people to learn. Amazing work!

[@gregorynixon2945]

Just a wonderful presentation. Perhaps the images are not always relevant, but Paul Cooper's wonderful narration and the way he makes connections is both entertaining and educational. It's the best introduction to my historical novel, The Diomedeia, and so I recommend this fine feature to everyone. I must have seen it ten times.

[@jacksongillingham6611]

The piano music at the beginning is absolutely epic and sets up a beautiful podcast 🙌

[@ausrm001]

💎

[@m00n7aquarius]

I'm bingeing on these right now. Completely mesmerized.

[@joestitz239]

Another one strangely is documentary investigations of air disasters, how/why planes go Down.

[@brianskibbe7881]

m00n7aquarius Same. 😁😁😁

[@ggerely]

Same here

[@ETCABEZON]

Those primary sources (letter to Cyprus king, the Egyptian ¿Pharaoh?) sound terrifying. Especially in the one sent to Cyprus, you can feel the desperation, the sheer terror.

[@knightandfog]

I had to leave the culture of popular entertainment and bellicose politics. This historian, educator and diligent entertainer has been my sanctuary.

[@aleo6480]

I work in a hospital. This kind of videos is exactly what I need to let my mind travel free in space and time when I am back home and rest my thoughts. Does anyone relate?

[@curiousworld7912]

Absolutely. :)

[@elcruzer5514]

Me Too.

[@arnonabuurs7297]

No, I see disaster rolling out in front of our eyes with the collapse of the US empire, it will not end better then all empires in these series.... while you rest your thoughts ....

[@BobStephensLBGSantaFe]

@@arnonabuurs7297 even warriors must rest

[@BobStephensLBGSantaFe]

the narrator has a very soothing voice

[@SGman3000]

I definitely feel that the Sea People in retrospect were more a symptom of the Bronze Age collapse instead of the reason. Think it's much more plausible that most of the empires, prior to the invasions, were actually in in a rough state already, and the economy of the Bronze Age civilizations began to suffer and only became more destabilized due to environmental and weather conditions. The Egyptian Sea People were probably just one band of many peoples being forced to migrate after getting pushed out from their homelands during the fallout.

[@davidguardado8282]

That was my thought too. Bands of wanderers and thugs, former soldiers and landless peasants. What I can't quite understand is how they managed to build into a military power able to devastate heavily fortified and armed imperia.

[@MrSp0iler]

@@davidguardado8282 Havent you heard of Mongols? Same thing. On dryland. Or Vikings.

[@onehtereproppper3697]

Eating is more important than we moderns think.

[@slukky]

I'm not sure about homelands, esp. not on the Greek peninsula. I've always heard/read that the Sea People were a thalassocracy, mostly Greek speaking, but certainly not limited to the Greeks of that period.

[@slukky]

@@MrSp0iler & they had a new style of fighting that the Romans were slow to counter. Perhaps the same was true of these Sea People who had nothing to lose by trying new tactics & strategies. In fact, they probably helped to plunge the Mediterranean into the first Dark Age till the rise of the Phoenician colonies & Greek city states like Athens & Sparta. To the east lay the grand empire of Persia.

[@Odonanmarg]

A problem that has occupied my thoughts for 50 years or so. You bring it back and give it mature context. Really enjoyed it.

[@user-kk5sh7vx7x]

Everything is very well presented. I have one small remark: “the Hittite Empire which ruled a large portion of Turkey” like Turkey existed back then. Maybe “Asia Minor” sounds more appropriate.

[@Lachausis]

Yes, that was a mistake. Could have said Anatolia. Or Present day territory of Turkey. Because turks probably didn't even exist back then in the asian steppes. So they don't carry any reference to the antiquity.

[@sean_connors]

“I have been Paul Cooper” Please do not become anyone else.

[@Pteromandias]

Sean Connors Haha I thought that was odd too!

[@Merennulli]

"Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman, then be Batman."

[@YiannissB.]

Paul I don't you, but i know this; you shed more light to this cataclysmic series of events, and narrated them in such clarity and fluidity than my university of history and archaeology ever did. I would trade my professors' blant and technocratic style of teaching with this kind of insight anytime. I sure hope you keep it coming with your podcasts, and if it takes a whole month to research write and create this kind of work, I'm all in. I sure know i am ringing your channel's bell.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you so much, I'm really glad you think so!

[@MECX3490]

Well stated and true...

[@micklee9454]

Go and have a look at suspicious observers channel

[@ddpp1420]

Ιωάννης Μπαλτουμάς 1500 bc not 1100/1200 bc

[@ddpp1420]

Fall of Civilizations What’s wrong with academics who think that they know what Greeks wrote with regards to the truth of what they wrote thousands of years ago If you don’t believe what they wrote then they/you should keep your comments to yourselves Because it only becomes waffle to those who understand Ancient Greek History As for the tin(Rubish)

[@2826shekhar]

History has never been more interesting to know. I am really grateful to have found your channel. These are really top class documentaries. Thank you for the amazing work.❤

[@justins7796]

Egypt: "ahh what a beautiful morning, how's everyone doing?" *Crickets* Egypt: "G-guys?"

[@WokeandProud]

Dark...

[@rhov233]

This series is absolutely beautiful! The storytelling is beyond excellent. It really draws your mind into the era. Thank you so much for adding visual aid to it as well! Did I say thank you? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[@lyndawilliams8434]

History is written by the winners.. But taught by the storytellers. Thank you for weaving a tale of fascination.

[@samb1981]

@@growinglifeorganic940 Yes Cornish tin was more related to the Roman Empire I think

[@rexbentley8332]

There is a reason they are the winners. You want it taught by losers?

[@peacenow42]

I so question, in all respect, that it is a false narrative that only the winners tell history.

[@peacenow42]

@@rexbentley8332 I so question, in all respect, that it is a false narrative that only the winners tell history. And yES I want to hear from the so-called "losers", thank you. I want to hear form all sides involved.

[@lyndawilliams8434]

@@rexbentley8332 Is that why you are here? To give us the losers PoV? Stomping on people doesnt mean you advance humanity. It just means you stomp on people. Who knows, maybe we would have had the cure for cancer by now if 'winners' werent out there stomping on everyone.

[@rawr2u190]

Just last year, a paper was published analysing the Uluburun tin. They found one third of it came from Uzebekistan and Tajikistan.

[@evanwild6545]

I'm watching a different episode each night since I found this channel in January... these are stunning, phenomenal pieces of storytelling. Everybody should know about these. It is unfortunate(to say the least) that these civilizations couldn't make peace, but fortunate for us that we can discover they existed at all.

[@saoirsedonnelly2352]

Watching that guy hammering holes in bronze was mesmerizing

[@blanchjoe1481]

Congratulations on a very well researched, and as importantly, a very well made presentation. Scholars often are ignorant of, or outright denigrate the need for, a well told "story". We are creatures that tell stories, this is how we have passed information since our development, and so the art of storytelling is as important in presenting complex information,. as the information itself.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, really glad you think so!

[@scasey1960]

This is popular story telling.

[@aahmadov]

Love everything about this project, the voice of the presenter, excellent melody, insane amount of exquisite information!!!

[@lawrencewhite2533]

All of your work is so well-crafted, thank you! I've never done the Patreon thing before, but I gladly subscribed. Absolutely worth paying for, especially since it's available for free!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thanks Lawrence, that's very kind of you

[@WinstonOBoogie_]

I happened upon this when I was searching for historical documentaries. It just doesn’t get better than this. Great research, writing, cinematography and editing.

[@NaneRulz]

Been watching your podcast along with my partner and we must say that the high degree of scholarly direction is astonishing. This channel is quite a rare gem, which somehow revives the idea I had of scientific/historical channels back in the 90's. Keep them coming. Best content ever.

[@TheBaltLT]

i watched a lot of history documentaries. and his series definitely belong to absolute masterpieces. what a quality... objectivity, visuals, narration. Thank you Paul.

[@gori277]

Thank you. LOVING IT, a household favourite now. “… just how fragile a thing Civilisation is.” BRILLIANT!

[@gwddmt1]

*An absolutely outstanding production and presentation of the accepted (and strongly debated) history concerning the demise of this age. Along with the several hypotheses, logically tied together through combining the different disciplines... you've impressed me more in one hour... than in the all the instructed semesters of my schooling. May well deserved accolades be shared by all of you!* ..gw

[@kronickarmakaziz5851]

Fall of Civilizations content is never a disappointment. Absolutely top notch every time.

[@florete2310]

"Ten tons of bronze and one ton of tin" - as a non-english / second-language speaker, this is such a fun sentence to say. Can't stop repeating it over and over again.

[@markpalmer9844]

As a 50 year old who has more than a passing interest in History I can’t believe I have never encountered the Bronze Age Collapse until this year (2024). I just don’t understand how I missed it! I’ve read books on Egypt, Rome, Greece and more. Watched countless documentaries over the years and I’m genuinely stunned.

[@Carahan]

14:55 Divorce court, divorce court never changes...

[@googiegress7459]

"He hath a sugar baby, and he purchased a hut of quality, and she dwelt there."

[@davidpietarila699]

This series is genuine art! It is beautiful and mesmerizing to look at and the narration is almost poetic in its tone and tempo!

[@taylorw]

Probably the most coherent history lesson I’ve encountered. Thank you.

[@TigerLily61811]

18:28 The best quote on the nature of history I've ever heard.

[@1dewymmer]

All I can say is thank you. You have put together an epic body of work, superbly researched, written and read. Please do some more as I have watched all of them repeatedly ! 10/10

[@suziperret468]

Amazing. Thank you for the history lesson. A lot to take in.I was a teenager living in Turkey in the 60's and knew there was ancient Greek history surrounding me, but never could have imagined the extent..The cradle of civilization was all around, but famous sites had yet to be excavated. The Turks realized they held valuable historical land, but they weren't ready to share it. They let it sleep, buried and protected.

[@poetnathan26]

This is not only one of the best documentaries I have ever seen on KZbin concerning ancient history. This is hands-down, one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen about any subject on any media in my life. Congratulations this is brilliant, bravo

[@christinafidance340]

Thankfully, I’ve gotten my fire and brimstone Baptist husband starting to get extremely interested in these videos as well and while he’s still sort of clamoring to hold onto his Biblical interpretation of history, I do believe he’s finally realizing that there were MANY other civilizations prior to the Hebrews and finally seeing just how religion was utilized as a tool of control and social cohesion throughout human history! Thank you!

[@Pahoe77]

Biblical history deals with civilizations that affected God's chosen people, the Israelites. Till the promised one came. It's not per say a historical book. I'm a both a and historical fan, as well as a Bible student today. It is possible to be both.😉

[@pieterotten9499]

Although being a chemist by trade, the histories of ancient civilizations has my deepest interest. This, and your piece on Sumer are beautifully done.

[@joenobody5913]

Yeah same here my friend, just not a chemist, or at least not a "professional" chemist

[@fammorf]

im unemployed and uneducated and ive been fascinated by ancient civilisations for years, your trade doesnt mean anything

[@janeadelaidelennox7193]

Applied maths here. I've been trying to get my chemist boyfriend interested in this stuff so we can enjoy these together. He's not biting.

[@janeadelaidelennox7193]

@@joenobody5913 And just like that, I'm immediately wanting to know what kind of Chemistry you're doing :D

[@joenobody5913]

@@janeadelaidelennox7193 Sounds like my ex. It baffles me how little some people can care. I've lost count of the number of times I've told family or friends "There was a whole group (maybe multiple) of people and they were possibly MORE ADVANCED than we are (in certain regards for sure)" and the response .....blank look... ".....maybe" sigh

[@iwantthetruthandnothingbut6521]

I so appreciate the visuals! And I'm sure many many people would agree with me! I just simply cannot sit and just listen to a podcast , I'm visual so I thank you!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you! I know there are lots of people like this, and I wanted to make the show accessible to them.

[@peacenow42]

And this is the very area you might challenge in order to improve studying and memory

[@mliittsc63]

17:00 Tin being transported over the Silk Road. That never occurred to me. It's interesting because this was long before silk was transported over the silk road. Maybe we should call it the Tin Road.

[@topherthe11th23]

1:49 - Kudos for finding the actual color video footage of Hattusa burning.

[@TheLesStroud]

So that is what happened to my order of Hippopotamus teeth.... This is a very great work. Literary sources are very relevant (essential) in telling the true story, in my humble opinion. TY Paul.

[@brushbros]

Most clay tablets were re-cycled every year or two by soaking in water. The only ones which remain are various government documents which were purposely baked, and more mundane tablets which were baked when the buildings containing them burned.

[@SirTorcharite]

@@rubynibs hey words have meaning! You're an annoyance but an annoyance with value! Not the hero we want! Not exactly a hero we need either! Still a hero though!

[@LMPolsky41]

@@rubynibs lppp

[@LuisAldamiz]

@@rubynibs - I beg to disagree: recycling means re-using in any way.

[@Feyser1970]

@@LuisAldamiz do you re use toilet paper or you recycle it to transform it in maybe something else, re using ( driving it again) an old abandoned car is not recycling it.

[@LuisAldamiz]

@@Feyser1970 - Used toilet paper? Nope. Also paper is of low contamination impact, we are more concerned about plastic here.

[@RamblinJer]

2nd to none Mr Paul Cooper! Absolutely Brilliant!

[@sinnertoSaved1989]

By Far, one of my most Favorite channels! Your storytelling is so compelling and I stay "hooked" due to your in depth research and information. Please keep up the GREAT work! Definitely need more channels like yours these days!

[@alphanerd1355]

If there was not so much desolation and death, it feels like a beautiful flowing poem.

[@massimosquecco203]

I love every aspect of this documentary: the voice and the rhythm of the lecture, the images, the additional informations that it brings ( instead of the same repeated bla bla bla of analogous programs ). For all these reasons I say thanks to you, whoever made it possible that this video could be viewed online. It is a valuable lesson, for sure.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, I really appreciate the kind words!

[@mickcraven980]

@@FallofCivilizations Your introduction sank the hook deep.

[@argentinagalos6205]

An invaluable history lesson with a huge amount of documentation behind and a very pleasant narrative voice ,inviting to meditation on our human history with all its mysteries and dark corners ! Thank you ,Paul ! Waiting for more !

[@deborahquilter9441]

Such a comprehensive sweeping account, pulling together so many threads ranging from archeology and epic poetry to interdependence of people on trade tand fighting the consequences of climate change. Thank you Paul!

[@loulagregg8468]

I enjoyed the hypotheses and known history without having to drown in gore and violence. Thank you for the care you took with the presentation!

[@gillmacgillechiaran5651]

True - we musn’t drown in the horror, but we must behold it, for it is written large in our story.

[@MrStuVW]

​@@gillmacgillechiaran5651 Sad as sad can be.

[@nickjung7394]

I really cannot understand how anyone can possibly dislike this presentation. Clear, concise and very easy to follow. Thank you.

[@nickjung7394]

@Major Gear I do not agree!

[@cyberbilge]

I cannot rate this highly enough. I love history podcasts but the aerial shots and ruins really add context.

[@TheCSnuffer]

Just amazing work. Best history videos I've ever seen. And you really capture the essence of "loss" so well. Couple the narrative with the music and you can't help but feel sad and see how so quickly it can all disappear.

[@richln9682]

This is thoughtful, compelling and professional historical documentary making, the sort of thing the BBC used to do.

[@theflaneur__]

Man this is good! I've always loved Ancient History. Thank you for creating a masterpiece. So much better than anything that History Channel produces now.

[@resilience4lyfe331]

Edward James Herath Better than BBC as of late, as well... indeed!

[@stevelane6919]

Well he hasn't included any space aliens, perhaps he could say the Sea Peoples were from Mars.

[@JonS]

Does the History Channel even make history documentaries any more?

[@GSidoti]

Amazing work! This is the first of these episodes I have seen and now I can't wait for the others- well done!

[@vincencures]

This is my favourite take on the Collapse. Great job. I will never understand why this documentary has 2,9k thumbs down, it can hardly get any better in this specific format.

[@alfredthegreatkingofwessex6838]

My mom: “You don’t need to buy me anything for Christmas” *My mom’s Christmas list:* 13:40

[@user-qf7lq5ym4o]

Laughing my head off at this comment 🤣

[@maxmagnus377]

This deserves many more likes than it has right now xD

[@victoriagreenfield5781]

Best comment

[@biascabbia]

I've been increasingly interested in ancient history channels and docs since the beginning of the quarantine in March (it started as late as March in Brazil). Then suddenly I find out THIS channel. I'm so thankful for your meticulous work of putting together so much quality information in these episodes, let alone a great deal of well-woven narrative.

[@christinemartin63]

Wow ... just, wow! So artfully created and presented. I'm enjoying these to no end. (I will donate when I finish the series!)

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you my friend, very kind of you

[@jumo004]

What a great channel. The quality of your work and the depth of detail and how you present it are outstanding. You're setting a standard of quality others should aspire to.

[@tzaidi2349]

Masterfully done! I keep re-listening to your telling of Ramses III’s defense of Egypt. I feel like Im in the reeds.

[@detgrsketestamente3821]

Outstanding podcast. I research the connections between "The Iliad"/"The Odysey" and The Bronze Age Collapse.

[@LB1981]

This presentation is beyond amazing. Also generally speaking of your other videos. I just want to thank you, a lot!

[@mysticmikeable]

Brilliant - A superb 'bringing together' of all the strands and pieces into a consistent 'big picture' narrated as a complete story - Thank You...

[@shemyazadrolfossendam8156]

This is an outstanding example of science and art, it ranks among the finest documentaries ever produced...

[@spanskalist]

Couldn't agreement more! This podcast is not only astonishingly well resesrched but it is presented as a beautiful peace of art.

[@kaisahfx1246]

I must have listened to this on more than half a dozen occasions just like all the others in this series brilliant!

[@maxlee5941]

Truly one of the best discussions of possible explanations for why the Sea people existed and acted as such described. Until now i never heard a convincing set of arguments for why the Sea people pillaged and plundered. Your work is superb. Thank you

[@alifesh]

This is the most coherent, cohesive and comprehensive documentary on this topic that I have ever seen, by a wide margin from the next best!. Great work.

[@rco8881]

That feeling when you realize that all the history lessons you learned from school are nothing but an overview and oversimplification of what really happened.

[@slukky]

Which is the reason further study should be conducted in this manner. I agree w/ myself thoroughly!

[@ssrmy1782]

Yes, the greatest education a person can receive is not from Oxford or Cambridge, nor from Harvard, Yale or Princeton. Rather, it's the education we can give ourselves -- across a lifetime -- if we so choose.

[@stephenrothwell8142]

I watch documentaries on a daily basis on most subjects...this is the only one that has left me in my imagination, not wanting to come out.

[@ryanharing8490]

The person who wrote this script is talented. Great job.

[@brianobrain8985]

I came across this channel by chance but I really appreciate your comments and insight. Many of them seem to be 'off the cuff' but I can see that behind them lies a deep understanding of history. Thank you for enlightening me.