WARNex · Warfare and Agricultural Resilience Nexus in the Ancient Mediterranean (6th. BC - 4th c. AD)

In the Ancient World, as throughout much of human history, the destinies of empires and cities often hinged on their efficiency in warfare and agricultural robustness. The Warfare & Agricultural Regimes Nexus project (WARNex) delves into the intricate relationship between these two pillars of preindustrial societies, exploring how warfare shaped agricultural practices and, conversely, how agriculture influenced military dynamics. Moving beyond traditional studies that focus primarily on the devastation of landscapes—whether as a combat tactic or collateral damage—and the logistics of military food supply, WARNex offers a fresh perspective on the dynamic interplay between these driving forces, organized around three core inquiries: (1) Did warfare act as a catalyst, driving the evolution of agricultural systems? (2) To what extent was agricultural performance the backbone of strategic military endeavors? (3) How did ancient societies balance their resources between the often conflicting demands of agriculture and military objectives, and how did this balance affect the economic recovery of their “agri-food” systems during times of crisis?To answer these questions, WARNex employs an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on literary sources, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence, interpreted through an innovative analytical framework, with a focus on the Eastern Mediterranean from Classical to Late Roman times. The project will map agricultural shifts against the backdrop of key elements of conflicts and analyze critical “agro-military” interconnections, exploring possible correlations while also seeking to uncover the deeper causes that underpin them. By bridging the gap between military and agrarian history, WARNex aims to reveal the untold story of how warfare and agriculture co-evolved in the ancient world, offering new insights on the resilience and adaptability of ancient societies, which could significantly illuminate both historical and contemporary issues.