The 16th century BCE

The 16th century BCE is the hundred-year period from 1600 BCE to 1501 BCE. This era falls within the later phase of the Bronze Age in the Near East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia. It is marked by the fall of long-established states and the rise of new powers, with major changes in weapons technology, chariotry, and trade playing significant roles.

Knowledge of this century comes from written sources (such as cuneiform texts from Mesopotamia and Egyptian hieroglyphics), ancient inscriptions, and archaeological evidence from excavated layers. Historical dates for these years are not certain; scholars use different calculation systems known as 'high', 'middle', and 'low' chronology, which can differ by as much as ten years.

Egypt: the end of the Hyksos and the beginning of the New Kingdom

At the start of the century, northern Egypt was ruled by the Hyksos, a group originally from western Asia who had made their capital at Avaris in the Nile Delta. In the south, Thebes was governed by a local dynasty engaged in conflict with the Hyksos. By the end of the century, a Theban ruler, Ahmose I, expelled the Hyksos from Egypt and initiated a period known as the New Kingdom. This transition enabled Egypt to benefit from the military chariotry and new weapons the Hyksos had introduced.

Mesopotamia and Anatolia

The Babylonian dynasty founded by Hammurabi declined in power. The Hittite king Mursili I is said to have attacked Babylon and destroyed it. Subsequently, the Kassites gained control of southern Mesopotamia and established a long and stable rule. In central Anatolia, the Hittite state, based at Hattusa, faced internal conflicts over succession.

The Mediterranean and Europe

The island of Crete and its Minoan civilization maintained extensive trade across the Aegean Sea. During this century, a volcanic eruption occurred on the island of Thera (Santorini), a major event that caused damage to nearby regions. The precise date of this eruption remains disputed. On the Greek mainland, Mycenaean centers such as Mycenae began to emerge as centers of wealth and power.

Other parts of the world

In China, the Shang dynasty was strengthening, advancing the use of oracle bone script and bronze working. In South Asia, the Harappan civilization came to an end, replaced by a new farming culture linked to Indo-Aryan languages. In Africa, Nubia and Kush maintained trade and military ties with Egypt.