Dramatic recent breakthroughs in archaeological science are providing persuasive new insights about the collapse of past civilizations. Winston Churchill once remarked, “The longer you can look back, the farther you can look forward.” Armed with DNA analysis, strontium isotope analysis, readings of past climates through beryllium as well as oxygen isotope analysis, and other technical advances, scientists are uncovering human history as never before.

In a new paper for the Belfer Center, “The Collapse of Civilizations,” acclaimed Aegean prehistorian Malcolm Wiener explores five paramount causes of collapse ...

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