Greek Dark Ages

Around 1200 BCE the Mycenaen Era was in a state of hardship. It is unknown what caused the decline of this powerful civilization on mainland Greece. Theories include:
1. Earthquake
2. Change in weather patterns/ food shortage.
3. Invaders from the north, the Dorians who are known to have sacked Mycenae.
The Bronze Age social order declined - the “powerful rulers” disappeared. Cities became depopulated, trade decreased.
The population of mainland Greece declined, material culture was impoverished. Knowledge of specialized processes such as the cutting of stone masonry, construction of citadels [fortified cities], tombs and palaces declined. Fresco painting , stone sculpting, and reading and writing became much less widely practiced.