1. Deforestation: Mayan & Roman Empire
Prompt: How did excessive use of resources, imperial governments cause damage which generated social tensions and economic difficulties by concentrating too much wealth in the hands of elites?
By: Allie Cawyer

2. Mayan:Reasons The Mayans used the wood for fuel
Used trees to make plaster to build buildings
Also used for Construction

3. Mayan:Results Drought Climate change Soil nutrient depletion
Limited resources
Led to collapse of Mayan empire

4. Roman: Reason & Results
Elitist Roman society
Warfare
Diseases
Climate Changes
Soil erosion

5. Mayans vs. Romans Mayan: Similarities: Roman:
Used trees for fuel, plaster and construction for general population
Drought
Population increased
Swift collapse
Similarities:
Deforestation resulted in soil erosion
Climate change
Lack of water
Deforestation weakened agriculture and farm land
Roman:
Used tree for growth and development for rich
Diseases
Population decreased
Weakened over time, then finally collapsed

6. Bibliography
Diamond, Jared. “Collapse: How Societies Choose To Fail Or Succeed.” New York: Penguin Group, 2005.
Dubh, A. “Earth Changes: Causes of Ancient Deforestation.” Last accessed on September 7,
Himmelsbach, Vawn. “CBC NEWS: Discover lost Mayan in Guatemala’s Mirador Basin.” Last accessed on September 7,2011.
Murray, Louise. “Earth Times: 8,00 years of man made environmental impact.” Last accessed September 7,
Wells, H.G. “The Outline of History.” Last accessed on September 7,