ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

The Late Bronze Age Collapse in Cyprus (1170s BC)

The 1170s BC decade marked a pivotal period in human history, characterized by the collapse of several major civilizations. In this era, trade routes were severely disrupted, leading to reduced literacy rates and significant cultural shifts.

In mainland Greece, the Dorians arrived around 1200-1180 BC, taking advantage of the Mycenaean power's decline. They advanced from northwestern Greece towards Thessaly, Belotia (Megare), and the Peloponnese, leaving behind a legacy that would shape Greek culture for centuries to come. However, their impact on archaeology is disputed, with some questioning whether they truly left no trace.

The Dorians' migration coincided with significant changes in Helladic ceramic III C, characterized by octopus, spirals, and concentric circles. Archaeological sites such as Messenia and Laconia experienced depopulation, while inhabitants dispersed into isolated farms or clustered on safer sites. Conversely, groups of Peloponnese Mycenians migrated to peripheral areas like Achaia, Corfu, northeastern Greece, Dodecanese, and Cyprus.

In these regions, fortified sites such as Tirynthe and Mycenes remained crucial. The slowing down of shipping, trade, and industry in Greece led to the disappearance of bronze tooling and linear mycenal writing B (Tirynthe tables). Notably, this latter form survived until approximately 1050 BC on the island of Cyprus.

Meanwhile, in Assyria, King Ashurdan reigned from 1179-1134 BC. He enforced tribute payments from the Sutû people, kept the Ahlamûs at bay, and restored temples to Assur and Nineveh. His successor, Marduk-apla-iddina, king of Babylon, ruled from 1173-1161 BC.

In Egypt, Pharaoh Ramses III faced opposition in the Battle of the Nile Delta around 1175 BC, as he clashed with the Peoples of the Sea – a coalition comprising Lycians, Greeks of Sardes, and Sicules. This battle marked an important turning point in Egyptian history, highlighting the challenges posed by external threats during this period.

The Late Bronze Age collapse had far-reaching consequences for civilizations across the ancient world. As trade routes were disrupted and cultural shifts took place, societies adapted to new circumstances, laying the groundwork for future developments that would shape