Part 9/11:
Amid the degradation into chaos came stories of conflict with the wandering Gutian tribes, whose encroachment marked the opportunity for resistance. Yet, it appeared that natural catastrophes exacerbated the turmoil. Geological studies indicated evidence of destructive lightning storms—potentially caused by "dust bombs" emerging from costal volcanic events, which must have impacted agricultural capacity.
This catastrophic event aligned with ancient records, which depict the Akkadian Empire's decline—first gorged by drought, then ripped apart by external tribal invasions. As natural conditions deteriorated and rival groups exploited the Akkadian vulnerability, historians speculated that the Gutians might have capitalized on this strife, ultimately leading to the empire's dissolution.