Civilizations collapse dramatically but not instantly or completely. The “Romans” of Constantinople prospered for a thousand years after the sack of Rome. The Mayans of Lamanai held their city together for half a millennium after Tikal and Copan surrendered to the jungle. The Egyptians of Heracleopolis rebounded quickly to prosperity and strength after the Old Kingdom disintegrated into widespread famine and civil war. Other examples abound from Naachtun and Pinnacle Ruin to Tayinat and Guzana.
An Archaeological Theory of Collapse
A comparative archaeologist could enhance the Perenno mission by explaining where, when, why, and how pockets of urban vitality survive the death of a parent civilization. A general theory of endurance and revival could guide us in choosing a site for construction and a plan for reconstruction. Scholars have devoted much effort to systematically understanding the causes of collapse. I have found only wisps of speculation about why some cities refuse to fall when the world around them descends into ruin. A city’s capacity to resist doom seems to improve when it lies far from the primary center of power, maintains a diverse economy, lacks a “barbarian” frontier (militaristic neighbors at a much lower level of institutional complexity), avoids pushing the regional ecology close to its limits, and prevents local taxes and inequality from getting out of hand. If anyone reading this entry knows about research that systematically tests these ideas or their alternatives, please post a reference to it in the comments or in the forum. 
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