FALL OF CIVILIZATIONS

A broad study of civilizations in which “the social fabric disintegrated, cities were left empty and buildings fell into disuse and disrepair.”

In a book based on his successful podcast of the same name, British journalist Cooper asserts that Homo sapiens already possessed fire, language, tools, and agriculture when, around 5000 B.C.E, organized societies appeared in the fertile crescent in the Middle East. Writing, the wheel, bronze, iron, and organized government appeared soon after and spread widely, although not universally. Early governments simply enforced order within a region and defended it against rival governments. Those most successful prospered and produced the arts and technology. Cooper offers few surprises in his treatments of ancient Sumeria, Assyria, Han China, and Rome, but even history buffs will glean plenty of interesting historical information as he moves forward through the Khmer, Maya, and Vijayanagara India. The author concludes with societies in Africa, Mesoamerica, and Easter Island, which did not decline but rather disintegrated under brutal colonial exploitation. It’s impossible to describe the end of a society while ignoring its beginning and growth, so this book turns out to be a straightforward history of civilization in general. That’s a tall order, but Cooper gives it a valiant, if fairly conventional effort, emphasizing great men and war. For a broader view that includes culture, economics, and daily life, readers should consult individual histories or Will and Ariel Durant’s 11-volume series The Story of Civilization. Cooper’s predictable epilogue on the possible collapse of current civilizations dismisses the old favorites (nuclear war, disease, overpopulation) in favor of climate change. Current efforts to slow global carbon emissions have failed, and further heating is guaranteed in the next few decades, so it’s reasonable—if disheartening—to predict that some modern Western civilizations may become new chapters in this genre.

A mostly painless world history.