General Tech
Why the Bronze Age Collapsed
The article discusses the collapse of the Bronze Age, a period of human history that spanned from around 3000 to 1200 BCE. The author suggests that the collapse was not caused by the usual suspects, such as drought or overpopulation, but rather by the introduction of the wheel. The author argues that the wheel allowed for the development of more efficient trade and warfare, leading to the rise of powerful empires that eventually led to the collapse of the Bronze Age. The author cites the example of the Mycenaean civilization, which was able to expand its territory through the use of the wheel and chariots, but ultimately collapsed due to overextension and the strain on its resources. The author also notes that the introduction of the wheel had a similar impact on other civilizations in the region, leading to a cascade of collapses that ultimately led to the end of the Bronze Age.