International markets, refugees, climate change—these may feel like uniquely modern problems, but they are not. The Bronze Age (3200–1200 BC) was an era of globalization and international trade in the Middle East. During this period, monarchs such as Hammurabi of Babylon built empires with immense armies, diplomats, and scribes at their disposal. In an unprecedented economic boom, merchant ships imported luxury goods from across the Mediterranean to supply the palace of King Tut. Then, it all fell apart. Dozens of cities were burned to the ground or abandoned, trade networks collapsed, and empires fell.

What went wrong? This course will examine the complex network of Bronze Age civilization and the factors that contributed to its demise, including climate change, natural disasters, and an unmanaged refugee crisis. We will also explore the significance of these findings for crafting solutions to today’s challenges.

Intended Audience:

This course is intended for students with interests in the classics, the Middle East, and North Africa. This also includes students in biology or other sciences who might have an interest in climate change, paleo-climate, archaeology, and anthropology.

Class Format:

Two 90-minute meetings weekly