The Fate of Rome: Climate, Disease, and the End of an Empire

A poignant reflection on nature's triumph over the human power and ambition of one of history's greatest civilizations---the Roman Empire. Harper interweaves a grand historical narrative with cutting-edge environmental science and genetic discoveries to examine how a seemingly invincible supergroup encountered, endured, and ultimately succumbed to climate change and infectious diseases. 419 pages, softcover from Princeton University.