Having recently read Eric H. Cline's magnificent work, After 1177 B.C.: The Survival of Civilizations, I realized that this book from Hourly History tells the same story in layman's language. It explains how the Bronze Age came about, what fostered its great growth, and what brought about its decline. Most of the same points are covered; this is easier to read.
The advent of the Bronze Age heralded a seismic shift in human civilization. It was a period of profound transformation, marking the beginnings of agriculture, urban living, trade networks, writing, hierarchical and stratified societies, and advancing science and technology through the pioneering work of specialists. With its myriad innovations, this era continues to captivate historians and history enthusiasts alike.
Because of better tools (because they were made of bronze), it was possible as long as the necessary raw materials were available. Trade networks developed, often across continents, to get those materials. Things continued for over a thousand years without pause.
However, attacks by the Sea Peoples and climate changes (including earthquake storms) started about 1200 BCE. The trade networks were destroyed, and the Bronze Age ended. This eBook tells the complex story of the Bronze Age well.
The advent of the Bronze Age heralded a seismic shift in human civilization. It was a period of profound transformation, marking the beginnings of agriculture, urban living, trade networks, writing, hierarchical and stratified societies, and advancing science and technology through the pioneering work of specialists. With its myriad innovations, this era continues to captivate historians and history enthusiasts alike.
Because of better tools (because they were made of bronze), it was possible as long as the necessary raw materials were available. Trade networks developed, often across continents, to get those materials. Things continued for over a thousand years without pause.
However, attacks by the Sea Peoples and climate changes (including earthquake storms) started about 1200 BCE. The trade networks were destroyed, and the Bronze Age ended. This eBook tells the complex story of the Bronze Age well.
