Collapse of the Early Helladic Settlements: What Happened
Around 2200 BC, many of the thriving communities of mainland Greece were destroyed or abandoned. In the centuries before, known as the Early Helladic period, towns in the Argolid, Attica and Boeotia had grown prosperous through farming and trade. At Lerna, near modern Argos, people built the House of the Tiles, a large two-story building with a roof of fired clay tiles, one of the most advanced structures in Europe at the time. Then a wave of destruction swept the mainland. The House of the Tiles burned, other settlements shrank, and some were left empty. The cause is still debated. Many scholars link it to a severe drought known as the 4.2 kiloyear event, which disrupted societies from Egypt to Mesopotamia at around the same time. Others point to newcomers arriving in Greece, possibly early Greek speakers, or to conflict between communities. Whatever the cause, the mainland entered a poorer, more isolated phase. From that slow recovery grew the Middle Helladic culture, which eventually gave rise to the Mycenaean civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Greece around 2200 BC?
Around 2200 BC, many prosperous settlements on the Greek mainland were destroyed, burned or abandoned. The period of growth known as the Early Helladic era ended, and the mainland entered a poorer and more isolated phase.
What caused the collapse around 2200 BC?
The cause is still debated. Many scholars link it to a severe drought known as the 4.2 kiloyear event, while others point to newcomers arriving in Greece or conflicts between communities. It may have been a combination of factors.
What was the House of the Tiles?
The House of the Tiles was a large two-story building at Lerna, near Argos, roofed with fired clay tiles. It was one of the most advanced buildings in Europe at the time and was destroyed by fire during this period.
What is the 4.2 kiloyear event?
The 4.2 kiloyear event was a period of severe drought and climate change around 2200 BC. It is linked to the decline of several societies at the same time, including the Old Kingdom of Egypt and the Akkadian Empire.
What came after the Early Helladic period?
After the collapse came the Middle Helladic period, a slower and poorer era on the mainland. From this recovery, the Mycenaean civilization eventually emerged around 1600 BC, becoming the first great Greek-speaking civilization.
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