Fall of Ancient World Empires (1 gen 200 anni – 1 gen 673 anni)

Descrizione:

From 200 CE - 73 CE, as the Classical period drew to an end, many major classical civilisations suffered through disease, environmental crises, invasions and cultural decline. The Ancient World Empires that fell either completely or partially were China, Gupta India, Rome and Sassanid Persia. One of the main reasons for the collapse of these classical empires was epidemic diseases. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, the Rome and Han empires were hit with epidemic diseases, with the most catastrophic being smallpox and measles. These diseases were widespread through the empires due to trade, as sickness spread quickly from person to person during the distribution of goods. The empires were also not prepared for infectious diseases with limited resources, medicine and experience. Throughout this time, Roman and Chinese populations decreased rapidly.

A less catastrophic, yet still important factor in the fall in many ancient civilisations, was the impact of environmental obstacles. In Afroeurasia, the use of irrigation and agriculture finally started to have an effect on the land. Those lands had been farmed in for thousands of years, meaning there was a depletion of nutrients in the soil and land degradation occurred. Over time, the land became sterile, a large issue in places like Mesopotamia. In China, the control of floodwater and irrigation systems lead to flooding and the change in the flow of water. A very critical issue for China was when the Han authorities began to lose authority and order over the people. This caused a significant cultural change and the formation of regional kingdoms in place of the Han state.

Together, all empires experienced an incline in invasions from barbarians. This was large in both Rome and China, but it affected all ancient civilisations around this time. The constant invasions caused a decline in the army, peasant rebellion, and in some places, famine. In addition to foreign threats, places like Gupta India and Rome were suffering because of faulty government and leaders. In Rome, many child leaders were given rule, and the rise of Christianity added to its destruction.

Aggiunto al nastro di tempo:

Data:

Immagini: