Context with Brad Harris
Plagues and Peoples, by William McNeill
Sep 5, 2018
The podcast explores the impact of diseases throughout history, including their influence on the rise and fall of empires such as the Roman and Aztec Empires. It discusses how diseases have shaped human civilization and spread as populations grew. The podcast also covers the devastating effects of plagues on Mediterranean lands, including the collapse of the Roman Empire. Additionally, it examines the role of diseases in the overwhelming of Native Americans by Europeans and how it influenced European dominance.
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Quick takeaways
- Disease has shaped and been shaped by civilization throughout history, highlighting the balance between accidental events and human reason.
- The global spread of diseases through commerce has led to catastrophic pandemics, reshaping societies and prompting cultural and immunological adaptations.
Deep dives
The Historical Importance of Disease
Disease has had a significant impact on history, from destroying civilizations to shaping societies. As humanity has gained knowledge about diseases through customs, science, and medicine, our ability to control and combat their threats has improved.
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