Crash Course World History: The Role of Water in Civilization

Introduction

• Hosted by John Green.
• Focus on the rise and fall of civilizations through the lens of water resources.
• Importance of resources and environmental issues due to Earth being our only planet.

Importance of Water

• Water is essential for survival, agriculture, and raising animals.
• Necessary for building cities, most places require irrigation.
• Water management includes:
  • Dams and levees to control flooding.
  • Reservoirs, wells, and cisterns for water storage.

Water and Civilizations

• Mayan Civilization (Central America):
  • Peak between 250 and 900 CE in Yucatan Peninsula.
  • Developed complex mathematics and writing systems.
  • Water management was crucial due to karst plain, poor soils, and low water table.
  • Water projects included ditches, reservoirs, cisterns, and canals.
  • Possible role of water in politics and religion; Holy Lords may have controlled water in exchange for tribute.
  • Collapse linked to droughts.

Khmer Civilization (Southeast Asia):

• Flourished between 802 and 1327 CE in Cambodia.
• Known for Angkor Wat and massive reservoirs.
• Water issues different from Maya, but required significant labor.
• Unclear functions of reservoirs: irrigation, flood control, or religious purposes?
• Potential reasons for decline include environmental factors and weakened monsoons.

Environmental Impact

• Water control remains a critical issue today.
• Over a billion people lack access to safe drinking water.
• By 2025, significant water shortages expected globally.
• Lessons from history: be cautious of building large cities in arid areas.

Conclusion

• Historical understanding helps guide present and future actions.
• Acknowledgment of our interaction with the environment is crucial.

Acknowledgments

• Thanks to supporters and sponsors of Crash Course World History.

Remember: "Don't forget to be awesome."