Why Rome actually fell: plagues, slavery, & ice age — Kyle Harper

This episode explores the profound impact of disease and climate change on the trajectory of human history, particularly focusing on the Roman Empire's decline. The conversation begins with the surprising role of diseases, like the bubonic plague, in shaping human population dynamics over millennia, illustrated by significant population drops depicted in a graph from the guest's book, "The Fate of Rome." More significantly, the discussion delves into the hypothesis that the collapse of the Roman Empire was significantly accelerated by a confluence of factors: the Plague of Justinian, a severe cold snap linked to volcanic eruptions, and the limitations of the Roman economy despite its advancements. For instance, the guest argues that while the Roman economy showed productivity gains and a complex trade network, the lack of scientific advancements hindered a potential industrial revolution. As the discussion pivoted to the guest's book on Roman slavery, the pervasive nature of slavery in Roman society and the surprising lack of a significant abolition movement were examined. Finally, the conversation touches upon the potential of future technologies like synthetic biology to resurrect extinct species, raising questions about the ongoing importance of conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity.