Amongst the ruins
why civilizations collapse and communities disappear
- ISBN: 9780300259285
- Editorial: Yale University Press
- Fecha de la edición: 2023
- Lugar de la edición: New Haven. Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
- Encuadernación: Cartoné
- Medidas: 24 cm
- Nº Pág.: 304
- Idiomas: Inglés
Amongst the Ruins explores the loss of ancient civilizations, the collapse of ruling elites, and the disappearance of more recent communities and their local traditions. Some of these are now sealed under 3,000-year-old peat, others lost to rising seas or sands, and the carcasses of twentieth-century buildings which serve as reminders of the destructive power of war.
These compelling stories of fallen or lost places are brought together through themes of war, climate change, natural hazards, human self-destruction, and simple economics. From the ice of the Arctic fringe, through to the desert landscapes of North Africa, by way of South America's high mountains and Southeast Asia's urban sprawl, Amongst the Ruins charts the rise and fall of places and communities around the world, the fascinating characters associated with them, and the important events that punctuate their history. Exploring wide-ranging examples from prehistory to the present day, John Darlington challenges us to recognize past failures and identify what we need to do to protect the cultures of our current world.
Introduction: The Anatomy of Loss
1. Climate Change
The Stone Circles of the Sperrin Mountains, Northern Ireland
Herschel Island
Qikiqtaruk, Canada
Dunwich, England
The Garamantes, Libya
2. Natural Hazards
Port Royal, Jamaica
Ani, Turkey
Plymouth, Montserrat
3. Human Disaster
Girsu, Iraq
St Kilda, Scotland
Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile
4. War
Nimrud, Iraq
The Old Summer Palace, China
The Temple of Confucius, China
5. Economy
Humberstone Mine, Chile
Route 66, US
Beaudesert Hall, England Abu Simbel and the Nubian Monuments, Egypt and Sudan
Conclusion
Understanding Loss and Renewal on a Global Stage
Learning the Lessons of the Past
Acknowledgements
Notes
Bibliography
Image Credits
Index
Preface
Introduction: The Anatomy of Loss
1. Climate Change
The Stone Circles of the Sperrin Mountains, Northern Ireland
Herschel Island
Qikiqtaruk, Canada
Dunwich, England
The Garamantes, Libya
2. Natural Hazards
Port Royal, Jamaica
Ani, Turkey
Plymouth, Montserrat
3. Human Disaster
Girsu, Iraq
St Kilda, Scotland Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile
4. War
Nimrud, Iraq
The Old Summer Palace, China
The Temple of Confucius, China
5. Economy
Humberstone Mine, Chile
Route 66, US
Beaudesert Hall, England
Abu Simbel and the Nubian Monuments, Egypt and Sudan
Conclusion
Understanding Loss and Renewal on a Global Stage
Learning the Lessons of the Past
Acknowledgements
Notes
Bibliography
Image Credits
Index
