The Rest Is History 146. Disease vs. the rise of civilisation
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Feb 3, 2022 
In this discussion, guest Kyle Harper, a Professor of Classics and disease historian, explores how humanity’s relationship with infectious diseases has evolved. He reveals that for most generations, death from disease was expected, but technological advancements and globalization shifted this norm. Harper delves into the demographic dynamics of pre-modern cities, the historical impact of the Black Death, and the transition from infectious to chronic illnesses. He also highlights how these changes have shaped societal structures and urban health over time.
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Human Adaptation and Disease Exposure
- Chimps' diseases remained largely unchanged for millennia, unlike humans whose diseases evolved with technology.
- Humans' intelligence and technology allowed them to adapt to various environments, exposing them to diverse pathogens.
Fire's Impact on Disease
- Fire, a revolutionary technology, allowed humans to inhabit new environments, impacting human technological history.
- This environmental change exposed humans to new pathogens, driving their evolution and changing human health.
Hunter-Gatherers and Disease
- Hunter-gatherers were not living in a disease-free paradise.
- Their migration and exploration of new habitats exposed them to diseases like malaria, challenging the notion of their harmonious existence with nature.
