Dan Snow's History Hit Why Do Humans Wage War?
Feb 28, 2025
In a riveting discussion, military historian Richard Overy, author of 'Why War?', dives into the complex reasons behind humanity's enduring tendency to engage in warfare. He traces the origins of organized violence back to prehistoric times, revealing how resource acquisition and societal factors have fueled conflicts throughout history. Overy highlights modern resource wars and their implications, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions like those in Eastern Ukraine. The conversation also addresses the psychological motivations of leaders and the persistent nature of war across time.
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The Battle of Megiddo
- The first recorded battle occurred at Megiddo around 1457 BC between Pharaoh Tuthmosis III and the ruler of Kadesh.
- The Egyptians won but their looting allowed the enemy to regroup, leading to a long siege.
Early Roots of Violence
- Organized violence likely predates the modern state, possibly originating with hunter-gatherer societies.
- Evidence suggests early humans engaged in collective violence to protect resources and defend against other groups.
Evolution of Group Violence
- Successful hominid groups likely practiced effective group violence, contributing to their survival and expansion.
- This behavior, driven by inclusive fitness, may have become ingrained in human psychology.
