The Fate of Rome
By Kyle Harper
Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire. Princeton University Press, 2017.
Summary of The Fate of Rome book by Kyle Harper
A re-examination of the fall of one of the most powerful civilizations in history, with new scientific insights about how changes in climate and the spread of disease played a disastrous role in the demise of the Roman Empire.
Chapters in The Fate of Rome book summary
What do you get from this book? How disease and climate change contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire
Ancient Rome began in the eighth century BC and quickly expanded its empire, only to fall a few centuries later
Plagues and environmental changes during the Holocene period stressed Rome’s resources and killed millions
Rome used brutality to expand its empire but ruled with “Pax Romana”—peace and prosperity
Modern science suggests that disease spread quickly as cities and trade routes increased, carrying germs from one place to another
Galen of Pergamum was instrumental in treating the Antonine plague that raged across Rome, killing millions
Under the new Severan Dynasty, Rome rebuilt its military, established citizenry, and flourished once more
A new shift in climate coupled with a second pandemic created mass upheaval, enabling Rome’s enemies to wage war
Rome saw a rejuvenation under Constantine’s rule, but struggled when its military left it open to attack from enemies
The Bubonic plague swept away any progress Justinian made during his reign, killing millions
The Late Antique Little Ice Age resulted in volcanic explosions and cooling temperatures that left Rome without resources
Summary of the key insights
Selected critiques in brief
Final word
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The Fate of Rome — Book Summary Snapshot
Who should read The Fate of Rome book
- museum curators
- environmentalists
- anyone with an interest in ancient Rome
About the author of The Fate of Rome
Kyle Harper
Historian Kyle Harper received his PhD in history from Harvard University and has taught classical history at the University of Oklahoma. His written work has been the recipient of several excellence awards, including the James Henry Breasted Prize by the American Historical Association and the Outstanding Publication Award from the Classical Association of the Middle West and South.
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