Kyle Harper

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.

In this engaging discussion, Kyle Harper, a renowned Professor of Classics and History, sheds light on the underestimated role of pandemics in the Roman Empire's decline. He examines the Antonine Plague and its impact on life expectancy while claiming urbanization paradoxically harmed public health. Migration's role in spreading diseases like the Plague of Cyprian is also highlighted, alongside the transformative societal changes brought about by recurring epidemics. Harper's insights unravel how these health crises reshaped the empire and influenced religious thought.

In this discussion, guest Kyle Harper, a Professor of Classics and disease historian, explores how humanity’s relationship with infectious diseases has evolved. He reveals that for most generations, death from disease was expected, but technological advancements and globalization shifted this norm. Harper delves into the demographic dynamics of pre-modern cities, the historical impact of the Black Death, and the transition from infectious to chronic illnesses. He also highlights how these changes have shaped societal structures and urban health over time.

Kyle Harper, a professor at the University of Oklahoma and author of 'The Fate of Rome', dives into the role of pandemics in the fall of the Roman Empire. He discusses the devastating effects of the Antonine and Cyprian plagues, linking disease to economic instability and military challenges. Harper explores how climate change intertwined with these pandemics, amplifying existing societal issues. He also examines the impact of luck in history and the transformative political shifts caused by these crises.

Professor Kyle Harper, an expert on the history of disease from the University of Oklahoma, joins for a deep dive into the catastrophic effects of disease during colonial expansion. He discusses how the Columbian Exchange led to the demographic collapse of indigenous populations due to diseases like smallpox. Harper also examines the influence of illness on European colonization efforts and the evolution of public health responses, drawing parallels between past pandemics and today's global health crises.