How Artificial Sweetener May Have Ruined The Roman Empire

The video explores the theory that lead exposure, particularly through the use of sapa, a grape syrup cooked in lead pots, contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire. It discusses how Roman aristocrats consumed large amounts of lead-tainted wine and food, leading to health issues like dementia and infertility. Research by Jerome Nriagu confirmed high lead levels in sapa, and the video examines the potential impact on Roman emperors and the empire's stability. Despite some scholarly disagreement, the video highlights the dangers of lead exposure in ancient Rome.

What was the average amount of wine consumed by a Roman per year?

How did lead exposure potentially affect the decision-making of Roman emperors?

What did Pliny the Elder say about the process of making sapa?

What was the reaction of other historians to Nriagu's theory on lead poisoning?