Environmental Problems of the Greeks and Romans by J Donald Hughes

Environmental Problems of the Greeks and Romans by J Donald Hughes

In this dramatically revised and expanded second edition of the work entitled Pan's Travail, J. Donald Hughes examines the environmental history of the classical period and argues that the decline of ancient civilizations resulted in part from their exploitation of the natural world. Focusing on Greece and Rome, as well as areas subject to their influences, Hughes offers a detailed look at the impact of humans and their technologies on the ecology of the Mediterranean basin. Evidence of deforestation in ancient Greece, the remains of Roman aqueducts and mines, and paintings on centuries-old pottery that depict agricultural activities document ancient actions that resulted in detrimental consequences to the environment. Hughes compares the ancient world's environmental problems to other persistent social problems and discusses attitudes toward nature expressed in Greek and Latin literature. In addition to extensive revisions based on the latest research, this new edition includes photographs from Hughes' worldwide excursions, a new chapter on warfare and the environment, and an updated bibliography.

Hughes considers serially all the ways in which the ancients influenced their environmentHe describes each aspect thoroughly, using ancient literature, archaeology, and ecological evidence to paint a picture of degeneration through overuse and lack of attention to consequences... The author's personal recollections enliven the text, and a comprehensive bibliography provides entrance to further research. Choice Hughes deserves great praise for updating a valuable overview of the problems ancient Greeks and Romans caused and faced within the natural environment of the Mediterranean basin. His work gives the undergraduate or non-specialist in particular a new view of the ancient world that will enrich her or his understanding of classical antiquity. -- Danielle M. La Londe Bryn Mawr Classical Review

J. Donald Hughes is John Evans Distinguished Professor and a professor emeritus of history at the University of Denver. His books include The Mediterranean: An Environmental History, An Environmental History of the World: Humankind's Changing Role in the Community of Life, and What is Environmental History?

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781421412115
ISBN 10	142141211X
Title	Environmental Problems of the Greeks and Romans
Author	J Donald Hughes
Series	Ancient Society And History
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Paperback
Publisher	Johns Hopkins University Press
Year published	2014-04-12
Number of pages	320
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.