Around 1200 BCE, major Mediterranean civilisations began collapsing; scientists have now reconstructed the climate conditions surrounding the crisis

Around 1200 BCE, the Mycenaean kingdoms, Hittite Empire, Canaanite city-states, and parts of New Kingdom Egypt experienced dramatic decline.

A study in Science Advances reconstructed climate conditions using simulations and paleoclimate records from 1500–1100 BCE.

Prolonged drought beginning in the late 13th century BCE reduced winter rainfall, which was essential for farming.

The drying significantly affected agriculture, food security, and political stability in the eastern Mediterranean.

Drought acted as a threat multiplier, interacting with warfare and invasions to worsen societal challenges.