Additionally, the climate was deteriorating; where once the weather was warm and dry it became much wetter as the Bronze Age continued, forcing the population away from easily defended sites in the hills and into the fertile valleys. Large livestock ranches developed in the lowlands which appear to have contributed to economic growth and inspired increasing forest clearances.
In addition, the climate was deteriorating; where previously the weather was warm and dry it became much wetter as the Bronze Age progressed, forcing the population to move from elevated, easily defended sites to more fertile valley areas. The establishment of large livestock farms in the lowlands is believed to have contributed to economic growth and led to increased forest clearance.