14th century BC

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The 14th Century BC: A Time of Great Change and Cultural Development

The 14th century BC was a period marked by significant cultural, artistic, and architectural developments across various regions. In this era, the Phoenician city of Ugarit reached its peak in the Middle East and Africa, while the Hittite Empire under Šuppiluliuma I expanded its territories to their greatest extent.

Šuppiluliuma I's reign is notable for his military conquests, including the weakening of the Hurrian kingdom of Mitanni. This period also saw the construction of Akhetaton (Amarna), a short-lived capital city dedicated to the sun god Aten and featuring revolutionary Amarnian art. The city was abandoned after the death of Pharaoh Akhenaten.

In Greece, Phase III A1 of the Late Helladic period began around 1370 BC, while Phase III A2 marked the beginning of this phase in 1340 BC. This era also saw significant developments in Athens, including the construction of a Mycenaean temple at Phylakopi and the reconstruction of the palace and Cyclopean enclosure at Mycenae.

In Cyprus, Lycian pirates from southwest Anatolia raided the kingdom around 1295 BCE. The Uluburun shipwreck was discovered south of Kaş in Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea, carrying Cypriot copper ingots and tin. This event highlights the importance of maritime trade during this period.

The Bajío phase of the San Lorenzo site in Mexico began around 1250 BC, marking a significant cultural development in Mesoamerica. The Phoenician city of Ougarit continued to thrive until its decline, with alphabetical writing attested by texts from around 1400-1200 BCE.

This era also saw the rise and fall of various kingdoms and empires, including the Hittite Empire under Šuppiluliuma I and the weakening of the Horite kingdom of Mitanni. The emancipation of Assyria under Assur-uballit marked a significant turning point in this period.

Overall, the 14th century BC was a time of great cultural, artistic, and architectural development across various regions, including Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, and Mesopotamia.