Late Bronze Age

Definition

The Late Bronze Age refers to a period from approximately 1550 to 1200 BCE characterized by significant cultural, technological, and economic developments across the eastern Mediterranean and Aegean regions. This era is marked by the rise of complex societies, extensive trade networks, and the emergence of powerful kingdoms, including the Mycenaean civilization, which is best exemplified in major sites like Mycenae, Tiryns, and Pylos.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Late Bronze Age saw the construction of monumental architecture and palaces in major Mycenaean sites, showcasing advanced engineering techniques.
2. This period was marked by significant trade activity, with Mycenaean merchants engaging with cultures from Egypt, the Near East, and beyond.
3. War and conflict were prevalent during the Late Bronze Age, leading to the militarization of societies and the construction of defensive structures in major settlements.
4. The collapse of several key civilizations at the end of the Late Bronze Age around 1200 BCE led to widespread societal upheaval known as the Late Bronze Age Collapse.
5. Cultural exchanges flourished during this era, contributing to advancements in art, pottery styles, and religious practices across the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

Review Questions

• How did trade networks influence Mycenaean civilization during the Late Bronze Age?
  • Trade networks played a crucial role in shaping Mycenaean civilization during the Late Bronze Age by facilitating economic exchange and cultural interactions. The Mycenaeans engaged in extensive trade with neighboring regions such as Egypt and the Near East, importing valuable resources like tin and luxury goods while exporting their own products. This exchange not only enriched Mycenaean society economically but also led to significant cultural influences that impacted their art, technology, and social structures.
• Analyze the architectural advancements made during the Late Bronze Age and their significance to Mycenaean society.
  • Architectural advancements during the Late Bronze Age were particularly significant in Mycenaean society as they reflected both social hierarchy and technological innovation. The construction of large palatial complexes at sites like Mycenae and Tiryns showcased advanced building techniques using massive stone blocks. These palaces served not only as administrative centers but also as symbols of power for local rulers. Their elaborate designs included storage rooms for surplus goods and intricate frescoes that depicted both everyday life and mythological themes, emphasizing the cultural sophistication of Mycenaean civilization.
• Evaluate the factors that contributed to the collapse of civilizations at the end of the Late Bronze Age and their long-term effects on subsequent societies.
  • The collapse of civilizations at the end of the Late Bronze Age was influenced by a combination of factors including invasions by outside groups, internal strife, natural disasters, and disruptions in trade networks. This period marked a significant turning point that led to widespread societal upheaval across the eastern Mediterranean. The aftermath resulted in a regression in economic complexity and literacy levels in many regions for centuries. However, this decline also set the stage for new political entities to emerge in the following Iron Age, ultimately paving the way for future developments in Greek culture and society.

Related terms

Mycenaean Civilization:

A late Bronze Age civilization known for its palatial states, advanced architecture, and linear B script, heavily influencing Greek culture.

Linear B:

An early form of Greek writing used by the Mycenaeans, primarily for record-keeping and administrative purposes.

Trade Networks: The interconnected systems of exchange that facilitated the movement of goods, ideas, and cultural practices across regions during the Late Bronze Age.