Civilization collapse theories

Civilization collapse theories explain why societies decline and disintegrate. Factors include environmental degradation, resource depletion, economic instability, social inequality, and political corruption. External pressures like invasions or climate change can also play a role. Key theories, such as Jared Diamond's "Collapse," emphasize how interconnected these issues are; one problem can trigger others, leading to a cascade of failures. Histories of ancient civilizations, like the Maya and the Roman Empire, illustrate these patterns, showing how a combination of these stresses can overwhelm a society's ability to adapt and survive.