Malthusian trap and overpopulation from "summary" of The Fate of Rome by Kyle Harper
The Malthusian trap is a concept that has long haunted human societies. It posits a grim reality: when a population grows too large, it surpasses the capacity of its environment to support it. With resources stretched thin, the population faces famine, disease, and ultimately, collapse. This theory, articulated by Thomas Malthus in the 18th century, has been the subject of much debate and discussion over the years. In the context of the Roman Empire, the Malthusian trap becomes a powerful lens through which to understand the challenges faced by the ancient world. The population of the empire exploded in the first few centuries CE, reaching unprecedented levels. Cities swelled with people, and the countryside became increasingly crowded. With more mouths to feed and fewer resources to go around, the stage was set for a Malthusian crisis. Overpopulation was not merely a matt...
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