Late Bronze Age

Definition

The Late Bronze Age was a period that spanned from approximately 1550 to 1200 BCE, characterized by significant advancements in technology, trade, and cultural interactions among various ancient civilizations. This era saw the rise of powerful kingdoms in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly the Mycenaean civilization in Greece, which played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Late Bronze Age marked a period of extensive trade and cultural exchange among civilizations such as the Mycenaeans, Minoans, Egyptians, and Hittites.
2. The Mycenaeans developed sophisticated architectural structures, including massive palaces with advanced storage facilities, which reflect their social organization and wealth.
3. Artistic achievements during this period included intricate pottery, frescoes, and metalwork that displayed a blend of local styles and influences from other cultures.
4. The collapse of several Late Bronze Age civilizations around 1200 BCE is attributed to a combination of factors, including invasions, internal strife, and environmental changes.
5. The late bronze age set the stage for the transition to the Iron Age in Greece, influencing subsequent developments in Greek culture and mythology.

Review Questions

• How did trade networks during the Late Bronze Age influence the development of Mycenaean civilization?
  • Trade networks were crucial to the development of Mycenaean civilization as they facilitated cultural exchange and access to resources. The Mycenaeans engaged in trade with neighboring cultures such as the Minoans and Egyptians, which allowed them to acquire luxury goods and raw materials. This exchange not only enriched their society economically but also influenced their art, architecture, and technological advancements, contributing to their emergence as a dominant power in the region.
• Discuss the significance of Linear B script in understanding Mycenaean civilization during the Late Bronze Age.
  • Linear B script holds immense significance for understanding Mycenaean civilization as it provides direct insight into their administrative practices, economic activities, and social structures. The script was primarily used for record-keeping related to trade and resource management within palatial centers. By analyzing these inscriptions, historians have gained valuable information about Mycenaean society's organization, including details about their economy, agricultural practices, and interactions with other cultures during the Late Bronze Age.
• Evaluate the reasons behind the collapse of Late Bronze Age civilizations and its impact on subsequent historical developments in Greece.
  • The collapse of Late Bronze Age civilizations resulted from multiple interconnected factors such as invasions by external groups, internal social upheaval, and environmental challenges like droughts. This disruption led to the decline of trade networks and technological regression. The aftermath set off a profound shift in the region's cultural landscape as it transitioned into the Iron Age. This period saw changes in societal structures, shifts towards smaller settlements, and laid foundational elements for later Greek culture and mythology that would emerge in classical antiquity.

Related terms

Mycenaean Civilization: An ancient Greek civilization that flourished during the Late Bronze Age, known for its palatial states, complex society, and contributions to early Greek culture.

Linear B: A script used by the Mycenaeans for writing in the Greek language, primarily used for administrative purposes and record-keeping.

Trade Networks: Complex systems of economic exchange that connected various cultures and regions during the Late Bronze Age, facilitating the movement of goods, ideas, and technologies.