Satellite Photos Reveal Ancient Saharan Lost Empire

New satellite images [at link] have revealed more than a hundred ancient fortified settlements still standing in the Sahara. The settlements, located in what today is southern Libya, were built by the Garamantes, a people who ruled much of the area for nearly a thousand years until their empire fragmented around 700 AD.

It was around that point in time that northern Africa ceased being civilized.

WHY?! Take one great big freakin' guess!