'The waters become corrupt, the air infected': here's how Ancient Greeks and Romans grappled with environmental damage

The current state of our environment has never been a more pertinent topic, increasingly dominating headlines. Reports frequently outline the myriad ways in which human activity has inflicted damage on Earth and propose methods for restoration. However, these anxieties are far from contemporary. As early as ancient Greece and Rome, civilizations recognized the destructive impact of humanity on the natural world, presenting insights that still resonate today.

Historical Perspectives on Environmental Damage

Ancient literature contains a wealth of references to environmental concerns. One cannot help but draw parallels to our current ecological crises. Pollution of essential resources—soil, air, and water—has dire implications. The accumulated wisdom from our predecessors warns us that we can only exploit our surroundings for so long before nature retaliates.

An Agent of Destruction

Pliny the Elder, a Roman author from the 1st century AD, was acutely aware of the havoc humans wreak upon the environment. In his seminal work, Natural History, he lamented on the degradation caused by human activity:

"We taint the rivers and the elements of nature, and the air itself, which is the main support of life, we turn into a medium for the destruction of life."

In recognizing Earth as a nurturing entity deserving of protection, Pliny stated:

"It is my pleasant duty first of all to champion Earth's cause and to support her as the parent of all things."

These reflections by Pliny continue to echo in our contemporary discussions surrounding climate change and environmental preservation. Today, the urgency of environmental issues resonates strongly, especially among younger generations. A survey conducted in Australia revealed that 44% of nearly 20,000 young individuals consider environmental degradation to be the foremost issue facing humanity (Convince, 2022).

A Growing Understanding

The environmental insights of ancient Rome were not limited to literary lamentations—they extended to societal observations on human behavior. Flavius Renatus Vegetius, a military writer from the 4th to 5th century AD, recognized the dangers posed by concentrated military forces. He observed:

"If a numerous army continues long in one place in the summer or in the autumn, the waters become corrupt, and the air infected, from whence proceed malignant and fatal distempers, which nothing but frequent change of encampments can prevent."

Vegetius's observations hold alarming relevance today as cities grapple with the fallout from industrialization, population growth, and negligence towards natural resources. The pollution of Rome's Tiber River serves as a prime historic example. Suetonius, a biographer of the early Altan period, documented its decline:

"The river had been filled with rubbish and narrowed by jutting buildings."

Actions taken by leaders such as Emperor Augustus (63 BC–14 AD) to remedy this pollution were critical in highlighting the connection between governance and environmental stewardship. Sadly, not all rulers upheld this mandate. Under Emperor Nero (37–68 AD), the Tiber suffered severe pollution due to rotten grain disposal, leading Roman poet Juvenal to derogatorily label it a "gushing sewer," an apt historical criticism of mishandled ecological policies. Physician Galen (129–216 AD) further expounded on the negative impacts, cautioning that fish from the Tiber were unfit for consumption (Juvenal, 1st Century).

Measures to Protect the Environment

The ancients implemented various measures aimed at curbing environmental degradation. For instance, Athenians enacted a law in 420 BC to preserve the purity of the river Ilissus:

"It is forbidden to soak the coats of animals in the Ilissus above the sanctuary of Heracles and to tan them. It is forbidden to throw the residue of the laundering into the river."

This law, while archaic, has drawn recognition from modern researchers who believe it significantly contributed to the river's cleanliness. Accounts from the 4th century BC herald the Ilissus's beauty and purity, attesting to the law's positive ramifications (Aristotle, 4th Century BC).

Ancient practices also included prohibiting waste disposal and public sanitation regulations aimed at protecting waterways. However, compliance remained an issue, suggesting that mere laws could not guarantee adherence.

Public works constructed under leaders like Emperor Nerva (96–98 AD) were pivotal. His projects improved the urban environment dramatically. The aqueduct authorities, managed by Sextus Julius Frontinus (35–103 AD), reported:

"The appearance of the city is clean and altered; the air is purer; and the causes of the unwholesome atmosphere, which gave the air of the city so bad a name in former times, are now removed."

Damaging the Environment Harms Our Health

The correlation between environmental quality and human health was not lost on the Romans. An illustrative case is found in a letter by Pliny the Younger (61/62–112 AD) addressed to Emperor Trajan (98–117 AD). He expressed grave concerns about the unsanitary conditions in Amastris, a city in modern Turkey:

"Among the chief features of Amastris, Sir, is a long street of great beauty. Throughout the length of this, however, there runs what is called a stream, but is in fact a filthy sewer, a disgusting eyesore which gives off a noxious stench. The health and appearance alike of the city will benefit if it is covered in, and with your permission this shall be done."

Emperor Trajan exemplified responsive leadership by allowing Pliny's suggestion to go forward:

"There is every reason, my dear Pliny, to cover the water which you say flows through the city of Amastris, if it is a danger to health while it remains uncovered."

This exchange clearly demonstrates the Romans' recognition of the intricate link between environmental and public health. Deteriorating conditions could lead to broader health issues, as observed throughout centuries—ideal evidence for the saying that a healthy environment fosters a healthy populace.

The Modern World Can Learn from Antiquity

Today, we face unprecedented environmental crises. Climate change, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss are no longer distant threats; they are pressing realities. We are called to reflect on the lessons bestowed by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Their enlightenment on environmental protection and public health remains profoundly relevant.

These cultures understood the ethos that nurturing Earth's vitality transcends mere moral obligation; it is integral to human survival and well-being. Preserving our planet fosters sustainability not only for flora and fauna but importantly, for humanity itself.

In a world increasingly beset by pollution-related news, we must prioritize an age-old truth: the health of our planet does indeed equate to our own health. Transforming our approach to environmental stewardship is essential—not only for our present but for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why should we look to ancient civilizations for environmental advice?

   Ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans had profound insights into the balance of nature, the consequences of pollution, and the importance of clean water and air. Their wisdom may guide modern actions in addressing today's environmental crises.

2. How can we apply ancient measures to modern environmental efforts?

   Legislative actions, public works, and community engagement initiatives can mirror ancient practices, reflecting their awareness of the interconnectedness of human health and environmental sustainability.

3. What lessons can we learn about pollution from ancient Rome?

   The pollution of the Tiber River demonstrates how negligence and poor policies can have grave consequences. It serves as a cautionary tale of how we must take preventive measures to protect our ecosystems today.

4. Could ancient laws be effective today?

   While some regulations from antiquity remind us of public responsibility, modern laws require specificity and enforcement. However, understanding the rationale behind these regulations may inspire contemporary environmental policies.

5. How can modern society foster effective environmental stewardship?

   Through education, policy advocacy, and a commitment to sustainable practices, society can embrace the ancient wisdom of valuing our organic surroundings, thereby ensuring a healthier future for all.

Final Consideration

In addressing ecological challenges, we are reminded by the ancients that pollutants taint our vital resources; indeed, we must strive to ensure that the waters do not become corrupt and the air remains uninfected—preserving our planet is tantamount to preserving ourselves.