Contribution to Book
"Ecology" in the Ancient Mediterranean
A Companion to Science, Technology, and Medicine in Ancient Greece and Rome
(2016)
Abstract
Like many of the topics covered in these volumes “ecology” is a modern construct, treated by ancient writers as part of a larger understanding of the human race and the history and future of the earth. Deriving from the Greek oiκoς (house), the modern science explores how organisms (including people) relate to each other and their environment. Here we survey ancient Mediterranean views of “ecology,” including how climate shapes character and physical traits. We also explore the ecological impact of human activities and technologies that result in, e.g., deforestation, stresses on water resources, soil erosion and pollution, with a focus on how these has been perceived in ancient times.
Publication Date
2016
Editor
Georgia L. Irby
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell
ISBN
9781118372678
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118373057.ch18
Citation Information
Georgia L. Irby, Robin McCall and Anita Radini. ""Ecology" in the Ancient Mediterranean" Chichester, West Sussex, UK; Malden, MA, USAA Companion to Science, Technology, and Medicine in Ancient Greece and Rome (2016) p. 296 - 312 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/georgia-irby/4/