What led to the downfall of the Mycenaeans?
Suggestions from scholars to explain the general collapse of the Mycenaean culture (and other contemporary ones in the Mediterranean) include natural disaster (earthquakes, volcanic explosions, and tsunami), overpopulation, internal social and political unrest, invasion from foreign tribes such as the Sea Peoples.
Who destroyed the Mycenaean palaces?
The archaeologists concluded that a large quake had brought down the palace-citadel on the heads of its inhabitants, who had no chance to escape. The theory that its palace-citadels were destroyed by quake became popular, although Mycenaean culture had staggered on for about 150 years more.
What destroyed the Minoan palaces?
Archaeologists have now enough evidence to believe that the reputed Minoan Civilization was severely damaged and affected by the eruption of Santorini Volcano, which destroyed their fleet. It is estimated that the palaces of the Minoan Civilization were destroyed almost 150 years after the volcanic eruption.
What led to the collapse of Mycenaean civilization quizlet?
What led to the collapse of Mycenaean civilization? Wars between the city-states, as well as a series of destructive earthquakes, weakened Mycenae, which fell to greek-speaking invaders. Historians call the period after the collapse of Mycenaen civilization, from approximately 110 bc to 750 bc, the dark age.
What destroyed Knossos?
Despite speculation that Knossos was destroyed by the volcanic eruption on Santorini, it is generally accepted that the cause was human violence following an invasion of Crete by Greeks from the Argolid, most probably Mycenaean.
What were the causes of the collapse of Mycenaean and Minoan civilizations?
The reasons for the slow decline of the Minoan civilization, beginning around 1550 BC, are unclear; theories include Mycenaean invasions from mainland Greece and the major volcanic eruption of Santorini.
Which ancient seafaring civilization built the palace at Knossos on the island of Crete?
The Palace of Knossos is located just south of modern-day Heraklion near the north coast of Crete. Built by a civilization that we call the Minoans, it covers about 150,000 square feet (14,000 square meters), the size of more than two football fields, and was surrounded by a town in antiquity.
Who conquered the Mycenaeans?
Pharaoh Ramesses III
They caused widespread destruction in Anatolia and the Levant and were finally defeated by Pharaoh Ramesses III in c. 1175 BC. One of the ethnic groups that comprised these people were the Eqwesh, a name that appears to be linked with the Ahhiyawa of the Hittite inscriptions.
What do archeologists think caused the collapse of the Mycenaean civilization?
Collapse of the Mycenaeans Archeologists are unsure of what caused the collapse. It might have been foreign invaders such as the Sea Peoples or the Dorians. It may also have been a natural disaster such as an earthquake or drought.
What problems did the Mycenaeans have?
The kings of Mycenae always had to fight to retain their positions. They engaged in constant warfare with each other and the long Trojan War may have weakened their power. The great workshops were the first to disappear. By 1200 there were no more luxurious weapons and vases.
When was the Minoan palace of Knossos destroyed?
The first Minoan palaces were destroyed sometime before 1,700 BC, likely by earthquakes, leading to the construction of even greater palaces all across the island. Knossos was the largest of these, dominating Crete until the collapse of the Minoan culture around the year 1,450 BC.
Why was Knossos important to the Mycenaeans?
Their economic value is further attested to by the presence of Kamares ware and “Special Palace Tradition” wares that were produced at Knossos. After the takeover of Crete by Mycenaeans in the LH IIB period, Mycenae began to produce a style of pottery clearly influenced in theme by “Special Palace Tradition.”
Where was the destruction of the Mycenae civilization?
The archaeological site of Mycenae near the village of Mykines, Peloponnese, Greece. ( gatsi /Adobe Stock) One of the most significant instances in which fire is believed to have caused such destruction is the situation at Knossos in Crete .
Why was the Knossos Palace abandoned at the end of the Bronze Age?
The palace was abandoned at some unknown time at the end of the Late Bronze Age, c. 1,380–1,100 BC. The reason why is unknown, but one of the many disasters that befell the palace is generally put forward. In the First Palace Period (around 2,000 BC), the urban area reached a size of as many as 18,000 people.