Turning Points in Ancient History: 1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed: Revised and Updated (Paperback)

"1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed" by Eric H. Cline is a captivating and thought-provoking book that provides an engaging exploration of the Late Bronze Age. The author's refreshing approach to complex topics in history and archeology makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in ancient civilizations. Cline's adept storytelling brings the pharaohs, Hittite kings, ancient rulers of Cyprus, merchants, and ambassadors from over 3,000 years ago to life, creating a sense of connection and intimacy with these historical figures. The book not only offers a better understanding of this critical period in history but also provides a framework for further exploration and analysis of current affairs in the same geographical regions. One aspect that stands out is the author's exploration of the city of Troy, which offers a new perspective and enhances the historical context, particularly in Anatolia. The final parts of the book connect history, geography, archeology, and complexity theory, providing a comprehensive and synthesized approach to understanding the collapse of these interconnected civilizations. Despite its captivating content, some readers found the book to be disappointing. The author does an excellent job of presenting the archeological evidence supporting the concept of the collapse of Late Bronze Age civilizations. However, they claim that Cline fails to effectively demonstrate how complexity theory applies to the evidence, leaving some readers wanting more detail and evidence from related sciences such as archaeobotany, zooarchaeology, archaeopedology, and paleoclimatology. Overall, "1177 B.C.: The Year Civilization Collapsed" is a fascinating book that delves into the intricacies of ancient civilizations and their ultimate demise. While it may fall short in fully exploring complexity theory, the book still provides valuable insights and can be enjoyed by history enthusiasts.