Connection between environment and society from "summary" of The Fate of Rome by Kyle Harper
The ways in which societies have shaped their environments and, in turn, been shaped by them, form a central theme in the historical narrative. The reciprocal relationship between the natural world and human societies is not only a matter of ecological balance or resource management. It is also a question of power and vulnerability, of stability and change. In the Roman world, this relationship played out in complex and often unexpected ways. The Roman Empire's expansion and consolidation were intimately tied to its ability to exploit the environmental resources of the Mediterranean world. The Mediterranean climate, with its mild winters and long growing seasons, allowed for the cultivation of a wide variety of crops. The fertile soils of Italy, North Africa, and the Near East sustained large populations and supported the growth of urban centers. The empire's extensive network of roads and waterways facilitated the movement of goods and people, further connecting the environmental and social realms. At the same time, the Roman Empire's dependence on its environmental resources made it vulnerable to changes in climate and ecology. Droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks could devastate crops, disrupt trade routes, and lead to social unrest. The empire's re...
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