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Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning

Bryan Ward-Perkins: The material consequences of the fall of Rome

Aug 2, 2024
Bryan Ward-Perkins, an archaeologist and historian focused on economic history, discusses his work on the material consequences of Rome's collapse. He challenges the notion that Rome fell into a slow decline, presenting it as a transformative process marked by evidence of economic downfall and cultural shifts. Topics include the loss of advanced construction skills, the emergence of new trading towns, and the contrasting experiences of the Western and Eastern Empires. Ward-Perkins also explores the role of lead pipes and migration in this pivotal historical moment.
01:07:41

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Ward-Perkins argues that the fall of the Roman Empire brought a significant decline in material culture and economic complexity.
  • The podcast emphasizes the importance of archaeological evidence to understand the societal and economic shifts post-Rome's collapse.

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