Introduction: Climate as the Hidden Architect of History

When we flip over the pages of history, it would be seen that various causes lie behind the rising and the falling of every empire. Nevertheless, that very factor which has gone unidentified but played the most pivotal role in the ascents of empires remains untold—climate.

Climate not only affects the natural environment, but also has a huge influence on lifestyle, agriculture, economy, and political structure of empires. Strong empires have emerged according to natural balance and have also crashed because of the absence of that balance.

In this article, we will see in detail how climate influenced the emergence and decline of ancient and modern empires.

Ancient Egypt: The Nile River and Fertile Land

Ancient Egyptian civilization had its base established through the blessings of the Nile River. Annual flooding by the Nile River provided the central reason behind Egypt's agriculture, economy, and empire development.

Positive effects of climate

Yearly floods: Every year, the Nile would flood and deposit fertile silt on the surrounding land, it played an important role in crop production.

Crop production: This continuity in crop production made Egypt an economic giant.

Trade and commerce: The supply of crops helped Egypt maintain the leading position in local as well as international trade.

Negative impact of Climate

Drought and Lack of Rainfall: The long-drawn drought and the absence of flooding of the Nile River, occurring around 2200 BC, became one of the factors for the downfall of the ancient Egyptian dynasty.

Internal strife: Food scarcity caused political turbulence in Egypt.

Mesopotamia: Role of Tigris and Euphrates

The Mesopotamian society is referred to as the "Fertile Crescent." It begins between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, where the first farming and city-based civilizations emerged.

Benefits of Climate

River alluvion: River alluvion changed agricultural productivity in the region.

Agriculture and Population Growth: The abundance of food through improved agriculture helps Mesopotamia to grow in population and develop cities.

Negative aspects

Soil salinity: Agricultural cultivation over a very long period of time also increased soil salinity.

Drought: Climate change also resulted in drought and changes in river flow. This was one of the many reasons for the fall of Mesopotamia.

Roman Empire: Stable climate and expansion

The Roman Empire was established as one of the biggest empires in the world. However, an underlying reason for their success is the stability of the climate.

Role of climate in the success of the Romans

Warm weather period: From 200 BC to 150 AD, the Mediterranean region experienced warm and stable weather. This allowed for increased agricultural production and economic prosperity.

Fulfilling grain production needs: The Roman Empire possessed vast arable land that aided the production of grain.

Causes of decline

Climatic change: During the third century, cold weather set in Europe. This change influenced food production and created a food crisis.

Pestilence and Famine: Bad weather caused famine and disease that undermined the Roman Empire.

Mongol Empire: Nature Adjustment

The Mongol Empire, one of the largest unified empires in history, expanded by taking advantage of the climate.

Positive Effects of Climate

Wet Period: In 1200 AD, the Wet Period began in the steppe region of Asia, which increased pastures for raising horses. The Mongols' military power increased in this.

Expansion: Their adaptive abilities and environmental advantages helped them expand their empire rapidly.

Negative Effects of Climate

Dry Period: The following dry weather led to a scarcity of food, and the growth of the empire became slow.

Mayan Civilization: Rainfed Agriculture

The Maya civilization developed in Central America, where sufficient rainfall supported their agriculture.

Reasons for Growth

Rainfall: There was enough rain so that the Mayan civilization could continue producing food.

Rivers and reservoirs: They used advanced technology to conserve water.

Reasons for Decline

Severe drought: A severe drought during 800 to 1000 AD lowered their food yield.

Political instability: Shortage of food and water created greater social and political unrest.

The Inca Empire: Mountainous climate

The Inca Empire was built in the Andes Mountains. Despite the altitude and harsh environment of these mountain ranges, they adapted to the climate and built powerful empires.

Good features

Irrigation systems on the mountain slopes: The Incas managed to produce food successfully due to irrigation systems developed on mountain slopes.

Huge stores of food: They developed food storage techniques, which helped them at the bad times.

Destructive factors

Climate change: Their agricultural activities were interfered with by long periods of cold weather and reduced rates of snowmelt.

Famine: Their food scarcity and the impacts of cold weather led to their collapse.

Role of climate in the contemporary world

Climate is still playing a very significant role in the modern world, threatening the sustainability of human civilization since the industrial revolution, mainly due to carbon emissions and global warming.

Impact of climate change

Impact on food production: Weather abnormalities and warming are negatively affecting crop production.

Coastal area extinction: Rising sea levels are endangering the lives of coastal areas and islanders.

Climate refugees: As many people are forced to leave from their homeland due to climate changes.

Example

Bangladesh: Flooding and river erosion troubles occur due to climate changes in Bangladesh.

Africa: A food crisis is noticed due to the prolonged droughts in the Sahel region of Africa.

Conclusion: Learn from history

Climate is never the only factor in an builds empires, but it is a fundamental and influential factors. History has proved that good climate builds empires and unfavorable climate leads to their downfall.

We should live harmoniously with nature in this world, where the effects of climate change are intensifying. According to history, the only way to be able to survive is to cooperate with nature and keep its balance.