This volume compares two of the most famous cases of civilizational collapse, that of the Roman Empire and the Classic Maya world. First examining the concept of collapse, and how it has been utilized in the historical, archaeological and anthropological study of past complex societies, Storey and Storey draw on extensive archaeological evidence to consider the ultimate failure of the institutions, infrastructure and material culture of both of these complex cultures.

Detailing the relevant economic, political, social and environmental factors behind these notable falls,...

Why do societies that seem to be successful and flourish come to an end? In this detailed comparative study, Rebecca and Glenn Storey examine the cultural changes marking the fall of two well-known ancient complex societies: the Classical Maya and the Ancient Roman Empire. Despite their dissimilarities, the two experienced comparable problems that ultimately led to the long process of decline, or slow collapse. This book
-explains the concept of slow collapse and its applicability to the fall of these two cultures;
-presents the common problems that these two societies could not...