
Economics Detective Radio
Climate, Disease, and the Fall of Rome with Kyle Harper
May 22, 2020
Historian Kyle Harper discusses the fall of the Roman empire, focusing on climate, disease, and scientific discoveries. From epidemics to climatic changes, he reveals how environmental stress contributed to Rome's disintegration. The podcast explores the interconnectedness of climate, disease, and historical events in shaping Rome's fate.
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Quick takeaways
- Infectious diseases, such as the Antonine Plague, had severe demographic and societal impacts on the Roman Empire, affecting its economy and politics.
- The Roman climate optimum and subsequent climate changes played a significant role in shaping the agricultural, trade, and urban development that influenced the rise and fall of the Roman Empire.
Deep dives
The Impact of Infectious Diseases on the Roman Empire
The podcast explores how infectious diseases, such as the Antonine Plague, the plague of Cyprian, and the Justinianic Plague, greatly affected the Roman Empire. These pandemics led to significant demographic shortfalls and serious consequences for Roman society, economy, and politics. Through historical accounts and genetic evidence, researchers are uncovering the origins and impacts of these deadly diseases on the Roman population.
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