Approximately 3,200 years ago, the civilizations of the eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Near East thrived through cultural exchange, trade, and diplomacy. However, in the 12th century B.C., these societies faced a mysterious collapse, leading to a “dark age” characterized by social and cultural stagnation. The Assyrian Empire, the New Kingdom of Egypt, the Mycenaeans, and the Minoans were among the civilizations profoundly impacted by this reset of human society.
Recent scientific findings affirm the theory that around 10,794 B.C., approximately 12,800 years ago, Earth was on a collision course with one or more significant comets. As these comets approached Earth’s atmosphere, they disintegrated, showering the planet with fragments of varying sizes. The ensuing impacts had dual consequences.
Firstly, in areas where the larger meteorites struck, the destructive force was akin to multiple hydrogen bombs detonating simultaneously, obliterating anything within the vicinity. Secondly, a dense cloud of debris enveloped the atmosphere, blocking sunlight and inducing widespread darkness. This sudden global dimming exacerbated the already cold climate, plunging even the regions untouched by ice into further chilling temperatures.
The disrupted ecosystem suffered a chain reaction. Plant species perished, leading herbivores reliant on these plants to face extinction. Consequently, carnivores that preyed on these herbivores also faced a diminishing food supply. The decline in biological methane production, a potent greenhouse gas with a heat-trapping potential far exceeding carbon dioxide, contributed to the deepening cold. This intricate interplay of events precipitated a localized yet intense ice age known today as the “Younger Dryas.”
The cascading effects of these cataclysmic events resulted in a sharp decline in the human population, underscoring the fragility and interconnectedness of life on Earth. The remnants of these ancient civilizations serve as poignant reminders of the transience and vulnerability of human existence in the face of natural upheavals.
In retrospect, the last reset of humanity stands as a testament to the enduring impact of cosmic events on terrestrial life, underscoring our planet’s place within the vast and unpredictable cosmos.
