{"id":4062,"date":"2023-03-31T00:13:07","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T23:13:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=4062"},"modified":"2023-03-31T00:13:07","modified_gmt":"2023-03-30T23:13:07","slug":"how-would-humans-affect-the-environment-of-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/how-would-humans-affect-the-environment-of-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"How would humans affect the environment of ancient rome?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking back at the fall of the Roman Empire, it’s easy to point to external factors like invasions and economic decline. But could the size and grandeur of Rome also have played a role in its undoing? New research suggests that, as the empire expanded and became more urbanized, its environmental impact began to take a toll, weakening the economy and contributing to social unrest.<\/p>\n

As Rome’s population grew and its territory expanded, so did its demand for resources. Forests were cleared for farmland and wood to fuel industry and domestic fires. This had a profound impact on local climates, as trees play an important role in regulating the water cycle. With fewer trees to absorb rainfall, floods became more common, washing away crops and ruining infrastructure.<\/p>\n

Dust and soot from iron and lead smelting blanketed the city, making breathing difficult and exacerbating health problems. And as herds of livestock were brought in to meet the demands of the growing population, manure accumulated, contributing to water pollution.<\/p>\n

These environmental changes put strain on the economy and contribute to social unrest, which were both major factors in the decline of the Roman Empire. So while Rome’s fall may have been due to a number of factors, it<\/p>\n