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I think the author fails to adequately discuss the impact of climate change on the economy. We know from modern history that recessions lead to political change
by e4e78a06 5y ago
I think the author fails to adequately discuss the impact of climate change on the economy. We know from modern history that recessions lead to political change. It's not implausible that an agrarian economy like that of Rome would be greatly impacted by climate change reducing crop yields, causing political upheaval. Those actors in the political system didn't just decide one day to depart from 200 years of stability to overthrow the government, there had to be some motivating factor.
- xeromal 5y agoIs unchecked corruption not a motivating factor? Greed?
- Spellman 5y agoI think the shifts in agriculture could definitely spark something, but robust political institutions and state capacity would have allowed them to weather the issues and adapt. Instead political fractures grew into much bigger problems bringing instability causing a downward spiral. Not to mention some of the biggest political shifts that happen around that era. The shift to the Late Roman empire is marked with a series of assassinations of the Emperor. Partially because of consolidation of the position's power and prestige. And in contrast other empires to the East and West organized and grew in power.
- Spooky23 5y agoNot just climate - their poor farming practices created deserts in North Africa! As a young student I always was impressed by and admired Rome. I think a big part of that was because much of the history came from British Imperial types seeking to link to past greatness. As I’ve aged and thought about it though, Rome seems like a real horror.
- pfdietz 5y agoConsider that 536, "the worst year in history", fell right into the century of steepest decline.