Dwarkesh Podcast
Why Rome Actually Fell: Plagues, Slavery, & Ice Age — Kyle Harper
Apr 24, 2025
Kyle Harper, professor and author, explores the downfall of Rome caused by devastating plagues and volcanic eruptions leading to famine. He discusses the brutal reliance on slavery within the Roman economy and how it shaped societal hierarchies. Harper notes the vulnerability of humans to diseases compared to other animals and shares insights on how agriculture influenced our physical development. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the historical impact of mobility, nutrition, and the interplay of disease in human advancement.
01:23:28
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Quick takeaways
- The collapse of the Roman Empire was heavily influenced by diseases like the bubonic plague, which decimated populations and altered societal structures.
- Climate change, particularly due to volcanic eruptions, severely disrupted agriculture in Rome, contributing to famine that compounded the effects of diseases.
Deep dives
The Impact of Disease on Human History
Diseases have significantly shaped human history, altering population dynamics and influencing the rise and fall of civilizations. For instance, the discussion highlights how the bubonic plague drastically reduced human populations during pivotal historical moments, including the collapse of the Roman Empire. This effect was not a minor fluctuation; major pandemics like the Plague of Justinian and the Black Death resulted in death rates that could reach 60%, fundamentally transforming societal structures and economies. Such historical episodes illustrate the profound and often devastating impact that pathogens have had on human advancement and population growth.
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