Twentieth Century BC

**20th Century BC**
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### Age/Epoch

The 20th century BC began on January 1, 2000 BC and ended on December 31, 1901 BC. This corresponds to the period 3950 to 3851 before today or the interval 3632 to 3546 radiocarbon years.

During this time, several significant events occurred:

* The Subboreal epoch spanned from approximately 3710 to 450 BC.
* In Central Europe, the Early Bronze Age began around 2300/2200 BC and continued until 1600 BC. This period is characterized by the widespread use of real bronze in weapons and devices.
* In Leubingen (Thuringia), a prince was buried in a wooden tomb dated to 1942 ± 10 years BC using dendrochronological methods. The grave goods were typical of the early Bronze Age Aunjetitz culture.
* The Middle Bronze Age occurred in northern China, Greece, and present-day Greece during this period.

### Events/Developments

The 20th century BC saw significant cultural and historical developments:

* In the south of England, the Wessex culture flourished, characterized by rich grave goods in grave mounds. This culture also played a key role in the expansion of Stonehenge.
* The Longshan culture in China gradually came to an end (beginning around 2000 BC).
* Around 2000 BC, the Gold calyx of the "Quetta Treasure" was created in the Indus Valley and Baluchistan. Similar vases were discovered in Bactrian during this time.
* In Africa, the Middle Kerma culture thrived in Upper Nubia from approximately 2050-1750 BC.
* The Middle Empire period occurred in Egypt from around 2040-1710 BC, marked by a reunified country with its capital in Thebes and later Itchtaouy south of Memphis. This era was characterized by peace and prosperity, but also saw the invasion of the Hyksôs.
* In Mesopotamia, the period of Isin-Larsa occurred from 2017-1763 BC.
* In Anatolia, medium bronze II was used during this time (2000-1800 BC). The archives of the Assyrian trading colonies, written in Akkadians, were discovered in Hattusa, Ankuwa, and Kültepe. These records brought Anatolia into history, revealing trade relationships between the Assyrians and Anatolians.

### Regional Developments

* **Africa**: The Middle Kerma culture flourished in Upper Nubia from 2050-1750 BC.
* **Near East**:
+ Mesopotamia: The period of Isin-Larsa occurred from 2017-1763 BC.
+ Anatolia: Medium bronze II was used during this time (2000-1800 BC). The Assyrian trading colonies' archives, written in Akkadians, were discovered in Hattusa, Ankuwa, and Kültepe.