Urban collapse

Definition

Urban collapse refers to the process in which a once-thriving city or urban area experiences significant decline, leading to abandonment, population decrease, and the deterioration of infrastructure and institutions. This phenomenon can be influenced by various factors, including environmental challenges, social upheaval, economic failure, and resource depletion, and is particularly notable in the context of historical civilizations such as Angkor.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The urban collapse of Angkor is believed to have occurred in the 14th century, driven by a combination of environmental factors such as drought and flooding.
2. One key aspect of urban collapse is the breakdown of social structures and governance, leading to instability and conflict among the population.
3. Archaeological evidence suggests that extensive irrigation systems were crucial for supporting Angkor's large population, but their failure contributed to the city's decline.
4. The decline of trade routes and economic challenges also played a significant role in the urban collapse of Angkor, as it diminished the wealth and resources available to sustain the city.
5. Urban collapse often leads to significant cultural loss, as cities like Angkor become forgotten and their achievements are left in ruins over time.

Review Questions

• How did environmental factors contribute to the urban collapse of Angkor?
  • Environmental factors played a critical role in the urban collapse of Angkor by creating unsustainable living conditions. Prolonged droughts led to water shortages, while periods of intense rainfall caused flooding that damaged infrastructure. The city's extensive irrigation systems, which were once vital for supporting its large population, became overwhelmed or fell into disrepair. This combination of climatic extremes ultimately made it difficult for the population to thrive and maintain their agricultural practices.
• Discuss the social and political implications of urban collapse in historical contexts like Angkor.
  • The urban collapse in historical contexts like Angkor had profound social and political implications. As governance weakened due to resource scarcity and social unrest, the stability of the city was compromised. Conflicts among different groups became more frequent as people competed for dwindling resources. Additionally, with the breakdown of central authority, local leaders might have risen to power or factions could have formed, further fragmenting society. This decline in political coherence often accelerated the collapse process.
• Evaluate how urban collapse can inform modern urban planning strategies in vulnerable cities today.
  • Evaluating urban collapse can provide valuable lessons for modern urban planning strategies, especially in vulnerable cities facing environmental changes. By studying past collapses like that of Angkor, planners can identify critical vulnerabilities such as reliance on specific resources or infrastructure weaknesses. Incorporating sustainable practices, diversifying economic opportunities, and enhancing disaster preparedness can help mitigate risks associated with climate change and resource depletion. Ultimately, understanding historical patterns of collapse enables contemporary societies to create more resilient urban environments.

Related terms

Angkor Wat: A massive temple complex and the most important archaeological site in Cambodia, originally built as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist site, symbolizing the grandeur of the Khmer Empire.

Khmer Empire: A powerful empire that existed from the 9th to the 15th century in Southeast Asia, known for its monumental architecture and extensive irrigation systems that supported a large population.

deforestation: The clearing or thinning of forests by humans, often leading to environmental degradation and contributing to issues such as soil erosion and climate change.