Ancient Natural Disasters (ARCH-0035)

Spring 2026 · ARCH 0035 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

Environmental disasters and their effects on ancient civilizations from the Mediterranean world and beyond. Volcanic eruptions, severe weather, droughts, earthquakes, disease outbreaks, and human-induced environmental degradation, including deforestation and resource overexploitation. Societal vulnerability, immediate responses to crises, long-term consequences, and patterns of resilience, recovery, and adaptation. Integrated historical, archaeological, environmental, epidemiological, and paleoscientific approaches to interpreting evidence including material remains, climatic/environmental proxy data, written accounts, ancient DNA/genetic evidence, and artistic representations. Emphasis on a longue durée perspective examining environmental, social, and economic trajectories before, during, and after catastrophic episodes. Recommendations: HIST 105 / ENV 111: Global Environmental History. Lower level/dual level course.

Course codes: ARCH-0035, ARCH 0035, ARCH0035, ARCH-35, ARCH 35, ARCH35, CLS-0135, CLS 0135, CLS0135, CLS-135, CLS 135, CLS135, ENV-0035, ENV 0035, ENV0035, ENV-35, ENV 35, ENV35

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