Things are not always as they seem

So we've looked at the main theories behind the collapse of the Rapa Nui of Easter Island. I think it's fair to say that there is little consensus as to what actually led to the decline of this culture.

Rather than hypothesize about possible triggers behind their decline, Bower (2014) has developed all of these ideas and takes an alternative approach. Bower argues that maybe the case of Easter Island shouldn't even be considered as an example of collapse.

Source: Harris, Cartoonstock

He stresses that unlike other articles, such as Mann et al (2008) from my previous post, deforestation does not equal societal collapse and correlations must not be confused for causation. He points out that, contrary to popular belief, the Rapa Nui civilization did not implode and disappear before European colonization in 1722. In fact the Rapa Nui society persisted at a constant level until 1774 when the culture declined. This decline is thought to have been caused by diseases introduced to the Island by European colonizers. Agriculturalists adapted to deforestation and the decrease in palm trees by turning to yam and sweet potato cultivation. Clever methods to reduce wind damage to small plants and reduce rain-water evaporation were developed, such as enclosing agricultural areas with rocks. This also deterred weed growth and improved soil nutrients.

Bower states that "the social collapse of the Rapa Nui has long been assumed, but there is so scientific evidence to support this". This demonstrates that the finer details need to be looked at when it comes to civilization collapse - things are not always as they seem!

Source: WorldlessTech                                                           Source: The Daily Omnivore

Something else that isn't what it seems - the Moai aren't just statues on the surface but have large bodies that are buried deep in the ground!

Next time I'll be introducing my final case study.

Merry Christmas!!