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How Lead (Maybe?) Caused the Downfall of the Roman Empire

Reactions is a show that uncovers the chemistry all around us. We answer the burning questions you’ve always wanted to ask, blending the worlds of science and every-day life.

How Lead (Maybe?) Caused the Downfall of the Roman Empire

Season 7 Episode 12 | 5m 55s | CC

Ancient Rome’s emperors did some pretty bizarre stuff—bursting into uncontrollable fits of laughter, appointing a horse as a priest, dressing in animal skins and attacking people… the list goes on. Why did they act this way? Possibly… lead poisoning. In this week’s episode, we unwrap the possibility that lead caused the Roman Empire’s collapse.

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