The 12th century BC is the period from 1200 to 1101 BC. The Late Bronze Age collapse in the ancient Near East and eastern Mediterranean is often considered to begin in this century. Events 1200 BC: The first civilization in Central and North America develops in about 1200 BC in the coastal regions of the southern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Known as the Olmec civilization, its early site is at San Lorenzo. 1200 BC: The Phoenicians found the port of Lisbon, Portugal 1197 BC: The beginning of the first period (1197 BC – 982 BC) by Shao Yong's concept of the I Ching and history. 1194 BC: The beginning of the legendary Trojan War. 1192 BC: Wu Ding, King of the Shang Dynasty, dies. 1191 BC: Menestheus, legendary King of Athens, dies during the Trojan War after a reign of 23 years and is succeeded by his nephew Demophon, a son of Theseus. Other accounts place his death a decade later and shortly after the Trojan War (see 1180s BC). 1186 BC: End of the Nineteenth dynasty of Egypt, start of the Twentieth Dynasty. April 24, 1184 BC: Traditional date for the fall of Troy, Asia Minor to the Mycenaeans and their allies. This marks the end of the Trojan War of Greek mythology. 1181 BC: Menestheus, legendary King of Athens and veteran of the Trojan War, dies after a reign of 23 years and is succeeded by his nephew Demophon, a son of Theseus. Other accounts place his death a decade earlier and during the Trojan War (see 1190s BC). 1180 BC: The last Kassite King, Anllil-nadin-akhe, is defeated by the Elamites. 1180 BC: Collapse of Hittite power in Anatolia with the destruction of their capital Hattusa. 1177 BC: Ramses III of Egypt repels attacks by northern invaders (the "Sea-Peoples") in the 8th year of his reign (1177 or 1186 BC); an event which Eric Cline closely relates to the beginning of the Late Bronze Age collapse. April 16, 1178 BC: A solar eclipse may mark the return of Odysseus, legendary King of Ithaca, to his kingdom after the Trojan War. He discovers a number of suitors competing to marry his wife Penelope, whom they believe to be a widow, in order to succeed him on the throne. He organizes their slaying and re-establishes himself on the throne. 1160 BC: Death of Pharaoh Ramesses V, from smallpox.