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Ancient Egypt may have fallen in part because of riots caused by climate change and volcanoes, according to a new paper.
The researchers used a variety of different data – including modern climate science, combined with descriptions in ancient textbooks – to explore the way that large volcanic eruptions hit river flow from the Nile, reducing the height of the summer flood that Egyptians relied on for farming. In turn, that may have led to drought and famine that ultimately brought about unrest and changes in politics and economics.
Until now, researchers haven't known what caused those strange but important floods. They now propose they were the result of volcanic activity – which in turn would have altered the climate and brought about disruption to the most central parts of society.
The team analyzed ice core records, providing them with information on when major volcanic eruptions were taking place around the globe—chemicals released during these eruptions are captured in the ice, like a time capsule of geological events. They also looked at the Islamic Nilometer, which provides a history of water levels at the Nile.
The study authors also say the findings are relevant to the world today. While we have not experienced a climate-altering volcanic eruption for some time, there is little doubt we will again in the future. They say the fall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom offers a cautionary tale for all regions that currently depend on monsoons—an estimated 70 percent of the world’s population
originally posted by: intrptr
All that symbology about pillars of smoke by day, fire by night, the plagues; three days of night (ash fall), etc.
Erupting Volcano on the horizon fits that bill nicely.
They would't have understood it either. So made up fairy tales. The same way Romans invented their volcano god.
There were descriptions of the Nile turning red (due to flooding washing out ash/desert dust)
Indeed, many dead are buried in the river; the stream is a sepulcher and the place of embalmment has become a stream.
Indeed, noblemen are in distress, while the poor man is full of joy. Every town says: "Let us suppress the powerful among us."
Indeed, men are like ibises. Squalor is throughout the land, and there are none indeed whose clothes are white in these times.
Indeed, the land turns around as does a potter's wheel; the robber is a possessor of riches and the rich man is become a plunderer.
Indeed, trusty servants are . . .; the poor man complains: "How terrible! What am I to do?"
Indeed, the river is blood, yet men drink of it. Men shrink from human beings and thirst after water.
Indeed, gates, columns and walls are burnt up, while the hall of the palace stands firm and endures.
Indeed, the ship of the southerners has broken up; towns are destroyed and Upper Egypt has become an empty waste.
Indeed, crocodiles are glutted with the fish they have taken, for men go to them of their own accord; it is the destruction of the land. Men say: "Do not walk here; behold, it is a net." Behold, men tread the water like fishes, and the frightened man cannot distinguish it because of terror.
Indeed, men are few, and he who places his brother in the ground is everywhere. When the wise man speaks, he flees without delay.
Indeed, the well-born man . . . through lack of recognition, and the child of his lady has become the son of his maidservant.
Indeed, the desert is throughout the land, the nomes are laid waste, and barbarians from abroad have come to Egypt.
Indeed, men arrive . . . and indeed, there are no Egyptians anywhere.
Indeed, gold and lapis lazuli, silver and turquoise, carnelian and amethyst, Ibhet-stone and . . . are strung on the necks of maidservants. Good things are throughout the land, (yet) housewives say: "Oh that we had something to eat!"
Indeed, . . .noblewomen. Their bodies are in sad plight by reason of their rags, and their hearts sink when greeting one another. Indeed, chests of ebony are broken up, and precious ssnDm-wood is cleft asunder in beds . . ..