1177 B.C. by Eric H. Cline is a remarkable exploration into the collapse of the thriving civilisations of the Late Bronze Age, a time of world-shaking turmoil and transformation. Cline, an esteemed archaeologist and bestselling author, takes readers on an enthralling journey through a dramatic historical landscape. The book delves into the intersection of multiple calamities that led to the end of this sophisticated era, weaving together a narrative that illuminates the domino effect of interconnected events that unravelled a once-thriving world. The narrative centres around the fateful year, 1177 B.C., when the enigmatic 'Sea Peoples' launched their assaults on major civilisations, including a significant invasion of Egypt. Although the pharaoh's forces managed to repel these invaders, the conflict severely weakened Egyptian power, triggering a cascade of decline across the region. Against this backdrop of military invasions and internal revolts, Cline examines a series of natural disasters such as earthquakes and droughts, coupled with famines and disruptions in international trade routes, which collectively conspired to accelerate this downfall. Through Cline’s vivid prose, readers witness the interdependence of these great empires as both their strength and Achilles' heel. Revised and updated, 1177 B.C. extends beyond a mere recounting of events, offering fresh insights into how the intricate web of alliances and cultural exchanges that once buoyed these societies instead led to their dramatic undoing. By tracing the lingering effects of this collapse, Cline sets the stage for the emergence of classical Greece, laying down the roots of our modern world. 'The memorable thing about Cline’s book is the strangely recognisable picture he paints of this very faraway time... It was as globalised and cosmopolitan a time as any on record, albeit within a much smaller cosmos. The degree of interpenetration and of cultural sharing is astonishing.' - Adam Gopnik, New Yorker 'Engaging...[An] absorbing tour of the Late Bronze Age.' - Josephine Quinn, London Review of Books For readers fascinated by the intricate tapestry of ancient history or those intrigued by the dynamics of societal collapse and resilience, 1177 B.C. offers a compelling window into a world that, despite its temporal distance, echoes remarkably with the complexities of today's global challenges.
