That’s just since 1900. Between Romans, Mayans, Mongol Emperors, Muslim caliphs, Russian tsars, Spanish kings and conquistadors, and Chinese warlords, I’d guess the number is a lot higher. It’s amazing the species has survived the invention of government.
“That’s just since 1900. Between Romans, Mayans, Mongol Emperors, Muslim caliphs, Russian tsars, Spanish kings and conquistadors, and Chinese warlords, I’d guess the number is a lot higher. It’s amazing the species has survived the invention of government.”
Not really. Populations *without government* lose a lot more to violence. That was part of the wisdom of the founders. Government is necessary, it is a question of how to limit it to necessary functions without letting it get out of control.
I highly recommend “War before Civilization” to understand this.
http://www.amazon.com/War-Before-Civilization-Peaceful-Savage/dp/0195119126