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, Professor of Classics at the University of Oklahoma, discusses the impact of climate change and disease on the fall of the Roman Empire. Topics include the decline in trade and resources, the role of paleoclimatic and genomic evidence, the relationship between waves of plague and archaeological genome data, and the vulnerability of the empire's trade system.

Kyle Harper, a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma and the Santa Fe Institute, joins birder Ryan Beebe to explore the intricacies of extinction. They discuss how human actions have contributed to the ongoing sixth mass extinction, drawing parallels with historical events. The conversation delves into the emotional impacts of extinction, questioning our moral responsibilities toward endangered species. They also highlight successful conservation efforts, such as the Kirtland's warbler recovery, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the complex relationship between loss and renewal.

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.