Notes
fountain 噴水池,泉;
splash (…で)水をはねる;
wrap (…に)包む、くるむ;
ceiling 天井;
porche 玄関、ポーチ;
vine ブドウ、つる植物;

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Throughout history, before air conditioning was invented, people found creative ways to stay cool in hot weather. One way was by living in caves or underground houses, which were cooler than places on the surface. People also used water fountains, ice blocks, or wet cloths to reduce their body heat. They would drink cool water, splash themselves, or wrap themselves in damp cloths. During winter, they stored ice to use in summer for cooling drinks or rooms.

Buildings were designed with high ceilings, porches, and windows to let air flow and reduce heat. Trees or vines were planted for shade and to keep houses cool. During the hottest parts of the day, people rested in the shade or waited until night to do activities, enjoying the cooler night air. These methods show how people in the past adapted to hot climates.
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Notes
conquest 征服;
steppe ステップ、(特にシベリア・アジアの)大草原;
fertile: /fˈəːtɑɪl/〈土地が〉肥えた，肥沃な;
fuel: 刺激する，あおる;
flourish: ˈflʌɹ.ɪʃ/ 繁盛する、盛大である、活躍する;

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In the late 1100s, the Mongol tribes were divided, but by the early 1200s, they united and began expanding their empire. Genghis Khan played a crucial role in their conquest, but a study suggests that favorable climate changes also contributed. The Mongol steppes, their grasslands, became greener and more fertile with increased rainfall and mild temperatures. This benefited their vital horses, fueling the Mongol military. The improved climate helped the Mongol Empire flourish

While climate change wasn’t the sole reason for their conquests, it played a significant role. Other civilizations, like the Anasazi and the Angkor, faced similar climate shifts and devastating droughts. (Adapted from Time’s artcile “How Climate Change Drove the Rise of Genghis Khan”)

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