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Levy and historians of the period think nature may have also contributed to the Mycenaeans’ demise. Rather than the sudden shock of a volcanic eruption, however, the Mycenaeans faced the gradual grind of natural climate change in the form of a widespread drought. Previously, anthropologists have found evidence that surface temperatures in the eastern Mediterranean Sea cooled rapidly around 1250 BCE, which resulted in reduced rainfall and marked the beginning of the drought. The drought lasted at least 150 years, and possibly as long as four centuries, in what is now Syria and Cyprus. But to date, key pieces of the puzzle remain elusive. Over the next few years, researchers anticipate finding the answers to key questions: the extent of the drought, whether it triggered famine, and if it contributed to the spread of disease.
As they pore over the contents of the cores, Levy and his collaborators will study the sediment layers for signs of flooding or drought, and the organic matter to understand the health of the sea, the presence of plant species, and the fish that were available. The jackpot, says Levy, would be to uncover artifacts from ancient ports, which would reveal what the Mycenaeans lacked and needed to import, and what they exported.
Probably the causes were complex. For example at first was the drought. The count of citizens diminished and they couldn't defend against nomadic and warlike tribes.
Climate change is constantly impacting the earth and thus impacting population. The rise of Ancient Egypt can be attributed to climate change (desertification of N. Africa). The Medieval Warm period resulted in the Norse colonizing Greenland until the Little Ice Age made settlements less desirable.
And yet people still think it's a modern concept - volcanic activity, earth cycles, solar activity...all have an impact.
The study shows the jet stream's plunging pattern is a long-standing natural phenomenon. However, the findings also suggest that global warming may boost the frequency or intensity of the curves, which would mean more winter extremes in the United States and Canada, the researchers said. The study was published today (April 16) in the journal Nature Communications.
Here in Seattle, we've had our wettest winter, followed by our driest summer, since records have been kept.
Probably the causes were complex. For example at first was the drought. The count of citizens diminished and they couldn't defend against nomadic and warlike tribes.
Herding populations that have grown in the wet years quickly become raiders if their grass dries out or dies off. The recurring waves of invaders from the steppes, from the Indo-Europeans to the Scythians to the Huns testify to that. Agricultural communities are less sensitive, in that they're more likely to resort to irrigation, multiple growing seasons, drought-resistant crops, etc. A strong and/or extended drought can weaken them, however, making them more vulnerable to a barbarian onslaught. Pirates disrupt trading networks. In Greece, the Mycenaeans were apparently overrun by their uncouth cousins, the Dorians.
It's known that the Anasazi civilization in the American Southwest came to an end due to drought, around the 13h Century. People living in the region of Chaco Canyon abandoned the sites in the area, and many migrated to the Rio Grande, forming the Rio Grande pueblos. Drought is also believed to be a factor in the demise of the Mayan civilization. The Sumerian civilization in southern Iraq (Mesopotamia) also ended due to drought, around 2000 BC. It's believed, additionally, that the Indus Valley civilization came to an end (1800 BC, roughly) when one of the main rivers in the area dried up, and the climate in the area became drier.
Angkor Wat was also abandoned due to drought, as well as deforestation. Many civilizations have been severely affected by climate change throughout human history.
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