Rome and the Classic Maya

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. Utilizing the concept of slow collapse, the authors show how the two experienced comparable problems that ultimately led to the parallel processes of decline despite their cultural dissimilarities. 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, Rome and the Classic Maya contends that a phenomenon of “slow collapse” has repeatedly occurred in the course of human history: complex civilizations are shown to eventually come to an end and give way to new cultures. Through their analysis of these two ancient case studies, the authors also present intriguing parallels to the modern world and offer potential lessons for the future.