Approximately 3,200 years ago, the thriving civilizations of the eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Near East experienced a sudden and mysterious collapse, plunging the region into a period of darkness characterized by social and cultural stagnation. Among the once-prosperous societies affected were the Assyrian Empire, the New Kingdom of Egypt, the Mycenaeans, and the Minoans. This cataclysm marked a significant turning point in human history, signaling what some researchers refer to as humanity’s “last known reset.”
Recent scientific findings suggest that around 10,794 B.C., approximately 12,800 years ago, Earth narrowly escaped a devastating collision with a swarm of comets of considerable size. As these celestial bodies approached our planet, they fragmented near the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a trail of debris that rained down on at least four continents. The impact of these fragments was akin to that of multiple hydrogen bombs, obliterating everything in their vicinity.
The aftermath of the comet impacts resulted in a two-fold effect on Earth’s environment. Firstly, the catastrophic explosions caused widespread destruction, resembling the aftermath of a nuclear blast. Secondly, the dust and debris that engulfed the atmosphere led to a prolonged period of darkness, plunging the world into an almost perpetual night. The sudden drop in temperatures, exacerbated by the ongoing Ice Age, further escalated the environmental crisis.
The cascading effects of the comet impacts led to a disruption in the delicate ecological balance of the planet. Plant species perished due to the lack of sunlight, leading to the extinction of herbivores dependent on these plants. In turn, carnivores that preyed on these herbivores also faced a decline in population, creating a domino effect of extinction across various species.
The decline in biological methane production further exacerbated the environmental crisis, triggering a sharp decrease in temperatures. This chain reaction ultimately resulted in a localized ice age known as the “Younger Dryas,” decimating the human population and other life forms across the affected regions.
The cyclical resets of human history are not entirely random occurrences but rather the result of complex interplays of celestial events and environmental factors. While such cataclysms may seem distant in the past, they serve as a stark reminder of Earth’s vulnerability to cosmic threats and the importance of understanding our planet’s turbulent past as we navigate an uncertain future. The findings and insights from these events shed light on the resilience of humanity in the face of overwhelming challenges, underscoring our capacity to adapt and thrive in the most adverse conditions.
