1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed (Eric Cline, PhD)

About this Video

• Video Title: 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed (Eric Cline, PhD)
• Channel: National Capital Area Skeptics (NCAS)
• Speakers: Eric Cline, PhD
• Duration: 01:10:18

Introduction

This video lecture by Dr. Eric Cline discusses the collapse of civilization around 1177 BC during the Late Bronze Age. The presentation explores various hypotheses, including the role of the "Sea Peoples," and examines archaeological evidence to understand the factors contributing to this widespread societal breakdown.

Key Takeaways

• The Late Bronze Age Collapse (1200 BC): The video focuses on the significant societal collapse that occurred around 1200 BC, impacting numerous civilizations.
• The Sea Peoples Hypothesis: An initial theory attributed the collapse to the "Sea Peoples," but this is presented as an oversimplification.
• Multiple Contributing Factors: The video suggests a more complex explanation involving multiple factors rather than a single cause. These likely include political instability, environmental issues, and economic disruption. Archaeological evidence from various sites, including Ugarit, is used to support this viewpoint.