3.3 Late Bronze Age and international relations
3 min read•august 8, 2024
The was a time of intense international relations and power struggles. Egypt dominated the Levant, using and tribute to control . The reveal the complex interactions between Egypt and Canaanite city-states during this period.
Other major players like the and Mycenaeans competed for influence. connected distant regions, while new military tech like chariots changed warfare. This era of globalization ended with the mysterious and the .
Egyptian Dominance and Diplomacy
Diplomatic Correspondence and Vassal States
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- Amarna Letters provide a unique insight into the diplomatic correspondence between Egypt and various Canaanite city-states (, ) during the reign of Akhenaten in the 14th century BCE
- Canaanite city-states were under the political and economic influence of Egypt, serving as vassal states within the Egyptian sphere of control
- Egyptian hegemony over the Levant region was maintained through a combination of military presence, diplomatic relations, and
Cuneiform Diplomacy and Tribute
- , the ancient writing system, was used for diplomatic correspondence between Egypt and other powers in the Near East
- were a key aspect of Egyptian dominance, with vassal states required to provide regular payments (gold, silver, precious goods) as a sign of loyalty and submission to the Egyptian pharaoh
Regional Powers and Conflicts
Rival Empires and Kingdoms
- Hittite Empire, based in Anatolia, emerged as a major rival to Egyptian power in the Late Bronze Age
- Engaged in conflicts and peace treaties with Egypt, notably the (c. 1274 BCE) and the subsequent Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty
- , located in northern Mesopotamia, was another significant regional power that vied for control over the Levant
- Mitanni's influence declined in the face of Hittite and Assyrian expansion
Strategic Cities and Military Technology
- , a major port city on the Syrian coast, played a crucial role in international trade and diplomacy
- Ugarit's strategic location made it a target for conquest by various powers (Egypt, Hittites)
- revolutionized military tactics and became a key element of Late Bronze Age conflicts
- Chariots, drawn by horses, provided a mobile and powerful strike force on the battlefield
- Effective use of chariots required specialized training and coordination between chariot teams
Mediterranean Interactions
Mycenaean Civilization and Trade
- , centered in mainland Greece, emerged as a significant power in the eastern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze Age
- Mycenaeans engaged in extensive trade networks, exchanging goods (pottery, olive oil) with other cultures
- International trade networks connected the Near East, Egypt, and the Aegean, facilitating the exchange of raw materials (copper, tin), finished goods, and cultural influences
Sea Peoples and Collapse
- Sea Peoples, a coalition of seafaring groups (, ), posed a significant threat to the established powers of the Late Bronze Age
- Sea Peoples' raids and migrations contributed to the destabilization and ultimate collapse of several civilizations (Hittites, Mycenaeans)
- Bronze Age collapse (c. 1200 BCE) marked the end of the Late Bronze Age and the decline of many major civilizations
- Factors contributing to the collapse included climate change, natural disasters (earthquakes), and sociopolitical upheaval
- Collapse led to a period of fragmentation and the rise of new powers in the Iron Age (Assyrians, Phoenicians)
Key Terms to Review (23)
Amarna Letters: The Amarna Letters are a collection of clay tablets written in Akkadian cuneiform, dating from the 14th century BCE, which serve as diplomatic correspondence between the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten and various leaders in the Near East. These letters provide invaluable insight into the political landscape of the Late Bronze Age, revealing the complexities of international relations, alliances, and conflicts among powerful city-states during this period.
Battle of Kadesh: The Battle of Kadesh was a major military conflict that took place around 1274 BCE between the forces of the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II and the Hittite Empire, led by King Muwatalli II. This battle is significant as it marked one of the largest chariot battles in history and influenced the international relations during the Late Bronze Age, showcasing the struggle for power and territory among great empires of the time.
Bronze Age Collapse: The Bronze Age Collapse refers to a period of significant decline and transformation in the eastern Mediterranean and Near East around 1200 BCE, marked by the fall of several prominent civilizations. This era saw widespread destruction of urban centers, disruption of trade networks, and a dramatic shift in social structures, leading to a power vacuum that altered international relations and cultural practices in the region.
Byblos: Byblos is an ancient Phoenician city located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, known for its significant role in trade and cultural exchange during the Late Bronze Age. It served as a major port city that facilitated international relations and was crucial for the distribution of goods, particularly papyrus, which is where its name is thought to derive from. Byblos' importance in trade networks during this period underscores its influence on material culture and interactions among ancient civilizations.
Chariot Warfare: Chariot warfare refers to the military strategy and tactics involving the use of horse-drawn chariots in battle. This form of warfare emerged during the Late Bronze Age and revolutionized combat, allowing armies to achieve greater mobility and striking power on the battlefield. The introduction of chariots not only changed the dynamics of warfare but also played a significant role in shaping international relations and power struggles among ancient states.
Cuneiform: Cuneiform is one of the earliest systems of writing, developed by the Sumerians around 3200 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia. It used wedge-shaped marks made on clay tablets with a stylus, allowing for the recording of various languages and a range of administrative, literary, and legal documents. This innovation played a crucial role in the management of complex societies and facilitated communication across key geographical regions.
Diplomacy: Diplomacy is the practice of conducting negotiations and managing relationships between states or groups, often through representatives and formal agreements. It plays a vital role in establishing peace, trade relations, and alliances, which were particularly significant during the Late Bronze Age as various powers sought to assert their influence and manage conflicts. Effective diplomacy can lead to stability and mutual benefits among nations, which were crucial in an era marked by shifting alliances and territorial disputes.
Economic interdependence: Economic interdependence refers to the mutual reliance between countries or regions, where the economic activities of one party significantly affect the economic outcomes of another. This concept highlights how nations engage in trade, investment, and resource exchange, creating a network of interconnected economies. In ancient contexts, such as during the Late Bronze Age, this interdependence was crucial for establishing international relations, facilitating diplomacy, and promoting cultural exchanges.
Economic ties: Economic ties refer to the relationships and connections formed between different societies and nations through trade, resource exchange, and financial interactions. These ties are crucial in shaping international relations, influencing political alliances, and fostering cultural exchanges, particularly during the Late Bronze Age when trade networks expanded significantly across regions like the Eastern Mediterranean.
Egyptians: The Egyptians were the ancient inhabitants of Egypt, a civilization that thrived along the Nile River for thousands of years. Known for their advanced culture, monumental architecture, and complex social structures, they played a significant role in international relations during the Late Bronze Age, engaging with neighboring powers through trade, diplomacy, and warfare.
Hittites: The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian civilization that emerged around the 18th century BCE and became a major power during the Late Bronze Age. Known for their advanced legal system, military prowess, and significant diplomatic relations, the Hittites played a crucial role in shaping international relations in the ancient Near East, particularly through their interactions with neighboring states such as Egypt and Babylon.
Interregional Exchange: Interregional exchange refers to the transfer of goods, ideas, and cultural practices across different regions, fostering interactions between diverse societies. This concept is crucial for understanding how civilizations interacted during periods of cultural and economic growth, particularly in the context of diplomacy, trade routes, and social relations among neighboring states.
Late Bronze Age: The Late Bronze Age, approximately from 1550 to 1200 BCE, was a significant period marked by the emergence of complex societies and extensive international trade networks in the Eastern Mediterranean. It was characterized by notable advancements in technology, culture, and military organization, leading to intricate political relationships among powerful states. This period also set the stage for major transitions in societal structures as it laid the groundwork for subsequent historical developments.
Megiddo: Megiddo is an ancient city located in modern-day Israel, known for its strategic importance and as a major archaeological site. It has been a focal point of conflict and trade throughout history, reflecting the cultural and political dynamics of different eras, particularly during the rise of city-states and the development of Canaanite culture.
Mitanni Kingdom: The Mitanni Kingdom was an ancient state that existed during the Late Bronze Age, roughly between the 16th and 13th centuries BCE, located in parts of modern-day Syria and Turkey. It played a significant role in international relations during this period, serving as a buffer state between the powerful empires of Egypt and Assyria, and influencing regional politics through diplomacy and military alliances.
Mycenaean Civilization: The Mycenaean Civilization was an ancient Greek civilization that flourished from approximately 1600 to 1100 BCE, known for its advanced architecture, art, and complex societal structure. This civilization is characterized by its impressive palatial centers, extensive trade networks, and significant contributions to the development of later Greek culture, especially during the Late Bronze Age when international relations were becoming more prominent.
Philistines: The Philistines were an ancient people who settled on the southwestern coast of Canaan around the 12th century BCE, known for their conflict with the Israelites and distinct cultural practices. Their presence played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of power and cultural exchanges during the Late Bronze Age and contributed to the transition into the Iron Age, as they interacted with various neighboring civilizations and established themselves as a dominant force in the region.
Sea Peoples: The Sea Peoples were a confederation of naval raiders who invaded and disrupted the eastern Mediterranean during the Late Bronze Age, particularly in the 13th and 12th centuries BCE. Their incursions are often linked to the collapse of several ancient civilizations, and they played a significant role in reshaping the political landscape at the transition from the Late Bronze to the Iron Age.
Sherden: The Sherden were a group of sea peoples known for their naval prowess and involvement in the Late Bronze Age around the 13th century BCE. Their activities had significant implications for trade, warfare, and international relations in the Eastern Mediterranean, impacting various ancient civilizations such as Egypt, the Hittites, and others during a time of turmoil and transition.
Trade networks: Trade networks refer to the interconnected systems through which goods, resources, and cultural exchanges occur among different societies or regions. These networks facilitated not only the distribution of materials such as metals, textiles, and food but also the transfer of ideas and technologies, shaping the social, economic, and political landscapes of civilizations across time.
Tribute Systems: Tribute systems were economic and political arrangements where subordinate states or communities paid regular tribute to a more powerful state or empire in exchange for protection, trade rights, or acknowledgment of sovereignty. This practice was common in ancient civilizations, facilitating international relations and trade networks, particularly during the Late Bronze Age when multiple kingdoms interacted through diplomacy and tribute exchanges.
Ugarit: Ugarit was an ancient city located on the Mediterranean coast of modern-day Syria, known for its significant role during the Late Bronze Age as a cultural and commercial hub. This city played a crucial role in international relations and trade networks, acting as a bridge between various cultures and facilitating exchanges between the civilizations of the ancient Near East, including the Egyptians, Hittites, and Mycenaeans.
Vassal States: Vassal states are territories or regions that are subordinate to a more powerful state, typically paying tribute and maintaining loyalty in exchange for protection and political autonomy. This arrangement is a key feature of political relationships during the Late Bronze Age, as it allowed larger empires to control vast areas without direct administration while maintaining influence over local governance.