Bronze Age - Revision history

Tao alexis at 21:56, 16 February 2025

2025-02-16T21:56:38Z

Show changes

Tao alexis: /* Mitanni Culture */

2025-02-16T21:52:01Z

Mitanni Culture

Tao alexis: /* Hittite Culture */

2025-02-16T21:50:46Z

Hittite Culture

Tao alexis: /* Elamites */

2025-02-16T21:49:24Z

Elamites

Tao alexis: /* Mesopotamia */

2025-02-16T21:46:51Z

Mesopotamia

Tao alexis at 21:45, 16 February 2025

2025-02-16T21:45:30Z

Tao alexis at 21:41, 16 February 2025

2025-02-16T21:41:18Z

Tao alexis at 19:05, 30 August 2023

2023-08-30T19:05:03Z

Tao alexis: /* Vepsian Empire */

2023-08-30T19:04:11Z

Vepsian Empire

Tao alexis at 19:03, 30 August 2023

2023-08-30T19:03:15Z

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 === Mitanni Culture ===
-The '''Mitanni''' people ('''Hurrians''') are believed to have migrated into northern Mesopotamia around the 15th century <small>BC</small>.  They occupied a strategic position along trade routes, facilitating interactions between '''Kassite''' Babylonia, Anatolia and the '''Levant'''.  The kingdom reached its height within the next two hundred years.  However, the civilisation eventually weakened due to conflicts with neighouring powers.  By the 13th century <small>BC</small>, they were on the wane, eventually to be absorbed into the '''Hittite''' and '''Assyrian''' empires.  While their impact upon the broader region's culture and politics was significant, their contribution was considerably less than that of other states.
+The '''Mitanni''' people, also known as the '''Hurrians''', are believed to have migrated into northern Mesopotamia around the 15th century <small>BC</small>. Establishing themselves in what is now modern-day Syria and northern Iraq, they occupied a vital strategic position along trade routes connecting '''Kassite''' Babylonia, Anatolia, and the '''Levant'''. This location allowed them to exert influence over the movement of goods, particularly metals, textiles, and horses, which were highly prized in warfare. Their kingdom, with its capital at '''Washukanni''', flourished as an intermediary power, balancing diplomatic and military relationships with the surrounding empires.
 === Levant ===

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 === Hittite Culture ===
-The '''Hittites''' were a feudal state of central Anatolia that emerged around the 17th century <small>BC</small>.  Its chief city, '''Hattusa''', was founded about that time.  The culture's exact origin is unknown, but it's certain they migrated into the region from elsewhere.  Adopting and adapting elements of culture and civilisation that already existed in Anatolis, and over time, they developed their own distinctive religious beliefs, art and administrative systems.  At it's head was a hereditary ruler, the Great King.
+The '''Hittites''' were a feudal state of central Anatolia that emerged around the 17th century <small>BC</small>. Their chief city, '''Hattusa''', was founded around this time. The exact origins of the Hittites remain uncertain, but it is clear they migrated into Anatolia from elsewhere. Over time, they adopted and adapted elements of the existing cultures in the region, developing their own distinct religious beliefs, artistic traditions, and administrative systems. At the head of their society stood a hereditary ruler, the Great King.
-Their substantive advancement was an early mastery of ironworking, giving them a significant advantage in military technology.  They were among the first civilisations to use iron extensively, a metal stronger than bronze.  The Hittites were also skilled charioteers and innovators in the chariot's design.  Coupled with their advanced fortification techniques, the Hittites proved a formidable enemy for the Egyptians, and much later the '''Mitanni''', with whom they competed.  Adopting cuneiform writing from the Babylonians, the Hittites proved to be skilled diplomats and negotiators.
+One of their most significant advancements was an early mastery of [[Ironworking (technology)|ironworking]], which provided them with a major military advantage. They were among the first civilizations to use iron extensively, a metal far stronger than bronze. The Hittites were also skilled charioteers and made innovations in chariot design. Combined with their advanced fortification techniques, these developments made them a formidable force, particularly against the [[Egyptians]] and later the '''Mitanni'''. Adopting [[Cuneiform (writing system)|cuneiform]] from the Babylonians, the Hittites became adept diplomats and negotiators.
-In the late 16th to early 15th centuries <small>BC</small> came a series of wars with the Mitanni.  During the 14th century, <small>BC</small>, under the rule of '''Suppiluliuma I''', the Hittites experienced a period of expansion and military successes, conquering significant parts of Anatolia and northern Syria, especially against Egypt.  Following the treaty of '''Kadesh''' (1274 <small>BC</small>), hostilities would end and peace was restored.  However, in the centuries thereafter, the kingdom would suffer repeated raids by the Sea Peoples (seafaring raiders) and a crippling series of droughts.  Internal strife and changing power dynamics disrupted their trade.  With the destruction of Hattusa (c.1180-2000 <small>BC</small>), most likely by the '''Assyrians''', Hittite power would vanish.  Their lands would be occupied afterward by the '''Phrygians''' and '''Lydians'''.
+Between the late 16th and early 15th centuries <small>BC</small>, they fought a series of wars with the '''Mitanni'''. Under '''Suppiluliuma I''' in the 14th century <small>BC</small>, the Hittites expanded aggressively, conquering large parts of Anatolia and northern Syria, often clashing with [[Egypt]]. After the '''Treaty of Kadesh''' (1274 <small>BC</small>), peace was established. However, in the following centuries, the Hittites faced repeated raids by the [[Sea Peoples]], along with devastating droughts and internal conflicts that weakened their trade networks. The destruction of Hattusa (c.1180 <small>BC</small>), likely at the hands of the '''Assyrians''', marked the end of Hittite power. Their lands were later settled by the '''Phrygians''' and '''Lydians'''.
 === Mitanni Culture ===

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 == Surrounding Cultures of Mesopotamia ==
 === Elamites ===
-Dating back to the 3rd millennium <small>BC</small>, the Elamites originated in the region of Elam itself, encompassing southern parts of the Persian plateau.  Their civilisation evolved independently from neighbouring Sumeria and Akkadia as a collection of city-states and centres, notably '''Susa'''.  These had frequent interaction with the Sumer valley and places east, participating in trade and diplomacy, and occasionally war.  Due to the influence of Mesopotamia, Elam's culture would begin to reflect those of Sumer.
+Dating back to the 3rd millennium <small>BC</small>, the Elamites established themselves in the region of [[Elam]], encompassing the southern Persian plateau. Their civilization developed independently from [[Sumer]] and [[Akkad]], forming a network of city-states, with '''Susa''' as its most prominent center. Despite their autonomy, the Elamites engaged in trade, diplomacy, and military conflicts with their Mesopotamian neighbors. Over time, Elamite culture reflected increasing Mesopotamian influences, particularly in governance, religion, and artistic expression.
-Elam would remain a significant civilisation in the region as other empires rose and fell.  In the 16th century <small>BC</small>, Elamite power reached a period of prominence.  A notable Elamite dynasty, the Shutrukid, would rule Elam from the late 12th century and into the [[Late Bronze Age]].
+Elam remained a formidable power as larger empires emerged and declined around it. By the 16th century <small>BC</small>, Elam experienced a period of expansion and regional prominence, solidifying its influence over neighboring territories. The kingdom continued to grow in strength, reaching its height in the 12th century <small>BC</small> under the '''Shutrukid dynasty'''. This ruling family led Elam during the [[Late Bronze Age]], exerting control over parts of Mesopotamia and leaving a lasting mark on regional history. Shutrukid rulers conducted successful campaigns against [[Babylon]], carrying off monuments such as the famous [[Stele of Hammurabi]] to Susa as a symbol of their dominance.
 === Hittite Culture ===

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 : ''Main Article:'' [[Mesopotamian History]]
-The Euphrates-Tigris valleys were dotted with small Sumerian city-states, chief among them that of '''Uruk''', the largest and most active.  Trade was brisk amongst these cities, including Ur and Lagash, and war common.  No city during the early period could gain advantage over the others, until the rise of Akkad.  '''Sargon of Akkad''' campaigns established an empire in the 24th century <small>BC</small> that would excel as none other.  Still, internal strife brought about Akkad's decline, and other city-states were left to pick over the remains.  The city-states of '''Ur, Isin and Larsa''' each enjoyed a period of pre-eminence, but these struggles weakened the Sumer culture.  At the same time, Amorite peoples from the west settled in various places in Mesopotamia, gaining influence.
+The Euphrates-Tigris valleys were home to numerous Sumerian city-states, with '''Uruk''' as the largest and most influential. Trade flourished among cities such as [[Ur]] and [[Lagash]], but so too did warfare. No single city could establish lasting dominance until the rise of Akkad. In the 24th century <small>BC</small>, '''Sargon of Akkad''' led military campaigns that forged an empire unparalleled in the region. However, internal strife and instability led to Akkad’s decline, allowing other city-states to contest its former power. '''Ur, Isin, and Larsa''' each held dominance for a time, but these struggles gradually weakened Sumerian influence. Meanwhile, [[Amorite]] peoples from the west settled in Mesopotamia, integrating into its political and cultural landscape.
-In the 18th century <small>BC</small>, '''Hammurabi''' came to power as the ruler of the city-state of '''Babylon'''.  As the Babylonian culture advanced, the older Sumerians lost their identity; but again, after 150 years, the Babylonian Empire began to fragment.  Cities were abandoned, while drought, war and pestilence spread.  Hittites sacked Babylon in 1595 <small>BC</small>.  '''Hurrians''' came from the north, overrunning the lands of Syria and the upper Euphrates; these would establish the '''Mitanni''' Kingdom, between old Babylonia, Egypt and the Hittites.
+In the 18th century <small>BC</small>, '''Hammurabi''' ascended as ruler of '''Babylon''', transforming his city-state into an empire. As Babylonian culture flourished, Sumerian identity faded, absorbed into the new power structure. However, after only 150 years, Babylon’s unity began to fracture. A combination of drought, war, and pestilence devastated the region. In 1595 <small>BC</small>, the [[Hittites]] sacked Babylon, while the '''Hurrians''' surged south from the highlands, establishing the '''Mitanni''' Kingdom in the lands of Syria and the upper Euphrates. Positioned between [[Babylonia]], [[Egypt]], and the [[Hittite Empire]], Mitanni became a key power in the region.
-The last of the Babylonian dynasty came to ruin in the 16th century <small>BC</small>, whereupon '''Kassites''' would move in and rule over the southern plain.  Their decline in the 12th century would lead the region into a period of political turmoil.
+The last rulers of Babylon’s founding dynasty fell in the 16th century <small>BC</small>, opening the way for the '''Kassites''' to take control of the southern plains. Their rule lasted for centuries, but as their power waned in the 12th century <small>BC</small>, Mesopotamia once again fell into political turmoil.
 == Surrounding Cultures of Mesopotamia ==

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 [[File:Bronze Age.jpg|right|560px|thumb]]
-'''The Bronze Age''' extends between 3200 and 1200 <small>BC</small>, marking the transition from prehistory to recorded civilization and culminating in the widespread collapse of societies across the eastern [[Mediterranean]]. This era saw significant advancements in [[Bronzeworking (technology)|bronze]] metallurgy, leading to improved tools and weapons for farming, construction, and warfare.
+'''The Bronze Age''' extends between 3200 and 1200 <small>BC</small>, marking the transition from prehistory to recorded civilization and culminating in the widespread collapse of societies across the eastern [[Mediterranean]]. This era saw significant advancements in [[Bronzeworking (technology)|bronze]] metallurgy, leading to improved tools and weapons for farming, construction and warfare.  Developments in [[Pottery (technology)|pottery]] and ceramics enhanced storage, cooking, and trade, while the use of [[Wheel (technology)|wheeled]] vehicles, including carts and chariots, transformed transportation and military tactics. The emergence of [[Writing (technology)|writing]] systems enabled the documentation of laws, administrative records, religious texts, and historical accounts, facilitating the growth of bureaucratic governance.
+__TOC__
+Textile production expanded as weaving techniques became more sophisticated, supporting the development of trade networks that connected distant regions. Metalworking extended beyond bronze to include iron, silver, and gold, allowing for the creation of intricate jewelry, finely crafted ornaments, and decorative artifacts that held cultural and economic value.  These advancements laid the foundation for complex societies, fostering urban centers, specialized craftsmanship, and expansive trade routes that shaped the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Anatolia, and the Aegean.
-extends between 3200 and 1200 <small>BC</small>, essentially from the beginning of written history to widespread collapse in civilisations throughout the eastern [[Mediterranean]].  Advancements were made in metallurgy and [[Bronzeworking (technology)|bronze]] tools, especially for farming, construction and warfare; in [[Pottery (technology)|pottery]] and ceramics, used for storage, cooking and transportation of goods; in [[Wheel (technology)|wheeled]] vehicles such as carts and chariots; in [[Writing (technology)|writing]] systems that allowed documentation of laws, administrative matters, religious texts and history; in textiles and weaving; and in craftsmanship of iron, silver and gold, in the creation of intricate jewelry, ornaments and decorative items.
+Countless other civilisations also emerged during this era, shaping the cultural and political landscape of the world. Many of these societies have faded into obscurity, their histories lost or shrouded in myth, leaving only fragments of knowledge for scholars to uncover.
 == Egypt ==
 : ''Main Article:'' [[Egyptian History]]
-The era comprised the '''Early Dynastic''' period, followed by the '''Old, Middle and New Kingdoms''', the last of which ended in 1090 <small>BC</small>.  The '''Old Kingdom''' (c.2780-2270 <small>BC</small>) saw the building of the Pyramids at Gizeh, flourishing of agriculture, occupation of the Sinai and it's copper mines and the establishment of Egypt's enormous wealth, centered in Memphis on the Upper Nile.  Nonetheless, as centuries passed, these lavish expenditures brought about a period of economic and political collapse.
+The era comprised the '''Early Dynastic''' period, followed by the '''Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms''', the last of which ended in 1090 <small>BC</small>.
-The '''Middle Kingdom''' (c.2143-1790 <small>BC</small>) reunified Egypt with it's centre at Thebes.  Penetrating south, above the 1st Cataract, and militarily into Syria, the era is marked by a classic periof of art and literature, along with long distance trade being established with the Fertile Crescent and the Red Sea.  But the period ended in confusion following the invasion of the '''Hyksos''' from Syria.
+The '''Middle Kingdom''' (c.2143–1790 <small>BC</small>) restored Egypt’s unity with its center at [[Thebes]]. The pharaohs expanded southward beyond the [[First Cataract]] and waged military campaigns into [[Syria]]. This period is known for its classical artistic and literary achievements, as well as the establishment of long-distance trade with the [[Fertile Crescent]] and the [[Red Sea]] regions. However, the kingdom fell into turmoil following the invasion of the '''Hyksos''' from Syria, leading to a breakdown of central authority.
-The '''New Kingdom''' (c.1555-1090 <small>BC</small>) drove out the Hyksos and re-established Egypt's unity.  Egypt became a great military power, conquering Syria, contending with the Hittites and making Egypt the most feared state in the region. A process of disintigration began, however, as Egypt's Syrian border became too costly to maintain.  Sea raiders plundered the Delta as Libyans challenged Egypt's power in the west.  Eventually, the unrelenting drain on Egypt's finances would bring about a complete collapse of the state at the end of the 12th century <small>BC</small>.
+The '''New Kingdom''' (c.1555–1090 <small>BC</small>) saw Egypt drive out the Hyksos and reassert its dominance, becoming the most formidable military power in the region. The pharaohs extended their control over [[Syria]] and clashed with the [[Hittites]], creating an empire at the height of its influence. However, the cost of maintaining distant territories proved unsustainable. The kingdom's decline accelerated as [[Sea Raiders]] attacked the Delta and [[Libyans]] pressed in from the west. By the end of the 12th century <small>BC</small>, relentless warfare and financial strain led to the complete collapse of the Egyptian state.
 == Mesopotamia ==

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 The '''Bronze Age''' extends between 3200 and 1200 <small>BC</small>, essentially from the beginning of written history to widespread collapse in civilisations throughout the eastern [[Mediterranean]].  Advancements were made in metallurgy and [[Bronzeworking (technology)|bronze]] tools, especially for farming, construction and warfare; in [[Pottery (technology)|pottery]] and ceramics, used for storage, cooking and transportation of goods; in [[Wheel (technology)|wheeled]] vehicles such as carts and chariots; in [[Writing (technology)|writing]] systems that allowed documentation of laws, administrative matters, religious texts and history; in textiles and weaving; and in craftsmanship of iron, silver and gold, in the creation of intricate jewelry, ornaments and decorative items.
 __TOC__
-Human history would see the rise of ancient '''Egypt''', '''Sumer and Akkad''', the Hittites, '''Mycenaean''' Greece, the '''Indus Valley''' culture and the '''Xia, Shang and Zhou''' dynasties in China.  In northern Europe, the gnomish '''Vepsian''' empire would comprise much of Europe's northern forests.  Elves from the west would appear and found the '''Egreliian''' culture.  Hobgoblins would build an empire, the '''Yaxjasso''', that for a while controlled much of Siberia.  There would be other, numerous civilisations that would also rise, many for which knowledge in the game world is lacking.
+Human history would see the rise of ancient '''Egypt''', '''Sumer and Akkad''', the Hittites, '''Mycenaean''' Greece, the '''Indus Valley''' culture and the '''Xia, Shang and Zhou''' dynasties in China.  In northern Europe, the gnomish '''Vepsian''' empire would comprise much of Europe's northern forests.  Elves from the west would appear and found the '''Colyan''' culture.  Hobgoblins would build an empire, the '''Yaxjasso''', that for a while controlled much of Siberia.  There would be other, numerous civilisations that would also rise, many for which knowledge in the game world is lacking.
 == Egypt ==

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 : ''Main Article:'' [[Gnomish History]]
-During the Chalcolithic Period, scattered gnomish of the Neolithic demonstrate a natural affinity for nature enable them to develop an intimate understanding of placer mining and metallurgy, mastering bronze crafting as the Bronze Age begins.  For protection, villages are built as semi-underground complexes with easy access to the surface and agricultural fields; this arrangement provides resistance against the harsh climate north European forests and plains.
+During the Chalcolithic Period, scattered gnomish tribal lands of the Neolithic demonstrate a natural affinity for nature enable them to develop an intimate understanding of placer mining and metallurgy, mastering bronze crafting as the Bronze Age begins.  For protection, villages are built as semi-underground complexes with easy access to the surface and agricultural fields; this arrangement provides resistance against the harsh climate north European forests and plains.
 A series of pre-Vepsian cultures emerge as gnomish technological achievements accelerate: notably Harn in the east, near the Volga Bend, and Nanbrun in present-day Norway.  Vepses itself gathers a coalition of villages surrounding Lake Ladoga and forests to the south.  All three, and others, succeed in producing harder alloys of bronze — nearly as hard as iron — along with small scale mills that employ water and wind power.  This skill in harnessing natural energies becomes a hallmark of their society.