Prolonged Drought Likely Drove Collapse of Eastern Mediterranean Civilisations Around 1200 BCE

A new study points to prolonged drought as a key factor behind the collapse of eastern Mediterranean civilisations around 1200 BCE. The severe drying conditions critically undermined agriculture and food security across the region. Researchers describe drought as a 'threat multiplier' that intensified pre-existing societal pressures. Environmental stress combined with warfare and invasions to destabilise these ancient societies. The findings highlight how climate vulnerability can accelerate the decline of even established civilisations.