The Curse of Akkad: Climate Upheavals That Rocked Human History - Softcover

Christie, Peter

2.93

14 ratings by Goodreads

9781554511181: The Curse of Akkad: Climate Upheavals That Rocked Human History

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1554511186 ISBN 13: 9781554511181

Publisher: Annick Press, 2008

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"Dramatic accounts of turbulent natural forces that shaped civilizations."

When Sargon of Akkad created the world's first empire 4,000 years ago, he thought none could conquer his powerful kingdom. He was wrong. A disastrous drought in Mesopotamia helped topple the Akkadian civilization.

Similar climate-related events rocked other civilizations. Ancient Rome experienced a catastrophic 18 months of darkness, possibly from a volcanic eruption half a world away. Mayan society in Mexico began to crumble when fresh water became scarce. And both ancient Egypt and ancient China were transformed by failed crops and starving citizens.

While many wonder how today's warming climate will affect our future, The Curse of Akkad explores capricious climate shifts of the past. From an ice age that gave humans an evolutionary leg up to an El Ni-o that frustrated the battle plans of Hitler, author Peter Christie shows that the prevailing weather of a place is not simply a backdrop to important events, but often a critical player.

The Curse of Akkad is an acclaimed writer's exciting and enlightening look at climate's frequent place at the helm of human history.

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Product Description:

The Curse of Akkad Climate has long affected civilization. Drought helped topple the first empire in Akkad, Mesopotamia 4000 years ago, and similar events rocked the Mayan and Roman empires. This book explores the effect of climate shifts, from the Ice Age to the present. Full description

Review:

In a refreshing look at climate change...well researched...and visually attractive.--Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY"School Library Journal" (02/01/2009)

This is a fascinating history of climate and the impact it has had on civilizations throughout history. Christie writes about major weather events: floods, droughts, volcanoes and other occurrences that have had catastrophic effects on the land, people and civilizations impacted. Much of the book details happenings from long ago, such as the fate of the Harappan society, which flourished about the same time as ancient Egypt and all but disappeared from history--probably destroyed by a crop-killing drought. However, Christie also touches on the impact we humans have today on the environment and what this means and will mean to our civilization. A great read, with lots of interesting sidebars; this one is sure to captivate readers.

Tailor-made for reluctant readers, this sweeping survey of the effects of climate change on human civilization is presented in digestible segments of one to three pages, some laced with melodramatic packages....The subject is compellingly topical... Useful reading lists are appended.--John Peters"Booklist" (08/01/2008)

In a refreshing look at climate change, Christie discusses the ways in which environmental conditions have shaped human history.... The book is well researched...and visually attractive. In all, the text is readable, and connecting science to history opens the topic of climate change to a wider range of students.--Lindsay Cesari, Baldwinsville School District, NY"School Library Journal" (02/01/2009)

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