2. The Bronze Age Collapse - Mediterranean Apocalypse

[@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

[@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.

[@suebritt6831]

I have watched and re-watched many Fall of Civilizations episodes, but once I've clicked the thumbs up I cannot click it again so you don't know how many hours I've spent watching it. Thank you for your wonderful research and compelling presentations.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Welcome back!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@olefosshaug5565]

Which are your favorites?

[@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.

[@Stej-i7m]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@TheVaughan5]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@play-doughsrepublic5121]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@TheLunacyofOurTimes]

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

[@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..

[@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]

@@ChristisKing1363 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.

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@danhaycraft9321]

Nope, history is written by those who can write, and the winners aren't always the writers.

[@zoemlk9687]

If history and geography was taught like this in the 80s I would have understood far more, you have to link those 2 with economics religion in one subject that links all together, but then the masses would have to much knowledge!

[@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

[@m00n7aquarius]

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

[@joestitz539]

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

[@brianskibbe7881]

m00n7aquarius Same. 😁😁😁

[@ggerely]

Same here

[@elec123]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@jacksongillingham6611]

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

[@ausrm001]

💎

[@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!

[@kronickarmakaziz5851]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@crimsonmvestro]

I am working on a fictional book that covers the Bronze Age collapse through the lens of mythology, theology, and philosophy. This video has helped me out a lot!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@NICHOLAS-h1p]

I think it’s awesome that someone literally just reading a textbook to us, and adding some pictures far surpasses the quality of anything History and Discovery Channel has to offer these days.

[@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]

@@SnowMonkeyCantSing 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]

@@SnowMonkeyCantSing lppp

[@LuisAldamiz]

@@SnowMonkeyCantSing - 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.

[@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

[@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."

[@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.

[@academaniac2528]

Quite a few people still believe the world is flat and that aliens built the pyramids.

[@billkennedy8542]

Superb. Well thought out and extensively researched. Your interpretations seem to be presented with an honesty and candor supported by a wide accumulation of factors in an unbiased fashion, while admitting that there are facts that remain unknown. Impressive detective work and perhaps even more impressive production quality. I look forward to more.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@kaisahfx1246]

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

[@elizabethorman86]

This is the second of your series - I just watched #1 about Roman Britain - and I am totally blown away. Wow! I've read about this collapse but I've never seen it presented like this. Gorgeous production from the graphics to the music to the narration. Fabulous!

[@transmaster]

I have studied the history of this region for many years it is a real treat to listen to someone who gets it, as far as present knowledge, absolutely correct.

[@fredk3859]

This is the best and most thorough video on this topic that I've seen.

[@johanstefonski401]

This is my favorite of your episode. You paint an incredibly beautiful portrait of a world which ceased to exist long long ago. They're all great, but this one is the most compelling.

[@saoirsedonnelly2352]

Watching that guy hammering holes in bronze was mesmerizing

[@edc8388]

I have only just come to this site and wanted to add my gratitude for the excellence of the presentation and the depth of detail. I have watched three of your threads so far, and I will enjoy them all in time. I'm an ancient historian knocking on heavens door and the joy of learning anew a subjects which I only ever half understood before is a huge treat, many thanks.

[@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.

[@blissbillo9603]

Wow, this was so interesting! I knew a little about the Bronze Age collapse, but you tied all the factors together beautifully in a way that made sense. Like, of course the volcano affected the climate which affected tin routes which affected absolutely everything else and so on - it really connected the dots for me. Really well done documentary!

[@alphanerd1355]

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

[@aahmadov]

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

[@leighmorgan2326]

Superb stuff. Having read 1177 B.C. The Year Civilization Collapsed by Eric Cline and Collapse by Jared Diamond I was excited to come across your series, and it is a great companion to those books. Anyone interested in history, and the lessons we seem incable of learning from it, should watch this. Thank you Paul.

[@erikscharer]

Excellent. The pace, voice and music makes it an inforelaxation. I have it as background during work. Thnx!!

[@tzaidi2349]

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

[@kaptinmxdnite7177]

This is the best, most wholesome, most informative channel I've found on KZbin. No Exaggeration. The music, voice actors, sound fx, even the stock footage is entertaining. These vods are true masterpieces. Thank you.

[@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.

[@Liliphant_]

🤣

[@markschuler1511]

well, english IS my primary language and if you can say that sentence over and over again then you're doing better than me! 😅

[@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!

[@gori277]

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

[@gowanhewlett745]

SUPERB. In Content, in Vocal delivery, in Visual forms : the FINEST historical presentations l have ever discovered. THANK YOU 2024

[@ErrolMcGuire-f7q]

We owe you so much, Paul Cooper. This is the best video survey of the ancient world I have ever found. Just superb in every way.

[@biggs2714]

The Bronze age collapse is such a fascinating subject, For millennia these mighty kingdoms stand and then fall so very quickly. Thank you for this well made video, I just discovered this series today and look forward to checking out the other videos. History is such a vital subject to explore and I'm always very glad to bump into more channels or videos delving into our past.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you for your kind words! I hope you enjoy the rest too.

[@richln9682]

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

[@johnpearson5575]

WHAT?!?! You took something awesome and you made it INCREDIBLE!!! Such great work. Thank you!

[@FallofCivilizations]

Haha thank you! Glad you enjoyed.

[@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 !

[@josephdestaubin7426]

"History is not the past, for the past does not exists in the present. Rather, History is what happens in the mind of the historian hold an artifact of the past that exists in the present". Mason. I really like your definition as well. The point of both I think is that History is an academic discipline, and like any other, aught only to be done with serious rigor.

[@knightandfog]

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

[@matildegago4344]

Every time I came here, it's a time of joy. Not only the story that you tell us; the rhythm, the tone of your voice, the music, the images. I wonder why the mainstream tv channels don't have anything of such quality..... Thank you. And yes, it's also a wonderfull bedtime story :)

[@taylorw]

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

[@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.

[@peg202xo7]

Superlative series! As a life long lover of history, thank you for breathing new and vital life into the ancient world!

[@salviatino12]

What an incredible discovery coming to know about these podcasts!! Just two days ago and I think this is probably one of the most beautiful and inspiring channels i have ever listened to. It seems now podcasts are only delivered every few months.

[@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.❤

[@chenjiaxu1234]

This is so incredible! It is the best history documentary series I have ever seen! I first hear them on podcasts, then found them on KZbin. I listened and watched for multiple times, and each time learned something new. I particularly enjoyed episodes with pics or movie clips like this one. Truly amazing content and can’t wait for new ones!

[@stardresser1]

Absolutely WONDERFUL in every way. Can't Thank you nearly enough right now. Amazing work.

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you too!

[@Crossword131]

"... filtered through the _Chinese whispers_ effect of oral history." That's so cool. I've never heard it said that way, in the states we say the game of telephone or the telephone game. I love your channel, just got done with Egypt and this felt like a fitting sequel. Cheers.

[@danylaly3644]

Truly mesmerizing documentary, man! Extremely well done! The way you give the perspective of the Sea Peoples at the end and the reason they invaded, in my view, rings true with humanity today just as much as it did then, thousands of years ago. I think this last part feeds such a longing for the understanding of the human condition across the ages. Civilization is such a brittle thing, and cannot be taken for granted even today...

[@FallofCivilizations]

Thank you, very kind!

[@cyberbilge]

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

[@jimmygravitt1048]

This was INCREDIBLE. I have never heard such a thought out exposition of the Late Bronze Age Collapse. And the final conclusion, wow. Logical.

[@jollyroger7624]

This is what YT was made for !

agreed.

[@kevinwebster7868]

jolly roger because actual television never did it? No this isn’t what YT was made for. It’s sad however that few channels of actual substance exist.

[@CoachPiuze]

@@kevinwebster7868 TV must sell publicity, so they must appeal masses... so low IQ and low need of truth... they can't do stuff like here where you have to think twice on everything. People just want to feed their family and relax after. Sad but reality.

[@kvltizt]

Yep. I listen to history and science docs all day on here. It's like a library in your pocket.

[@auagfinder6541]

Kevin Webster - You Tube is so much better than the TV shows we had years ago. The main difference is the lack of a designated time to watch an episode. If you missed watching a show like this in those days, it may never be shown again. You Tube allows us to watch whenever we want, not on a specific schedule. It’s especially true of music. Many of the iconic groups of the 1970’s, such as ABBA and the BeeGees, we only saw 2 or 3 times a year when they were on a TV show. Now you can watch them every day if you want.

[@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.

[@bethanyhunt2704]

The quality of your films is AMAZING.

[@karlamondragon7766]

your work is amazing, thank you so so very much!! please keep going!!

I am passionate about this subject, this was the time when main living religions were organized, on the ashes of the old bronze age religions. I will watch again and take some notes. I live in Guatemala, south to Mexico, with a history no less intriguing and complex. I loved the remark about the giants. According to ancient cultures, giant humanoids roamed around about 14 thousand years ago. Wonderful exposition, master.

[@danielclayton5350]

Paul Cooper must agree with you since it looks like he did a podcast about the Mayans too.

[@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.