How climate change contributed to the collapse of the Roman Empire and 7 other ancient civilizations

• Recent emphasis on climate science has impacted how we think about ancient civilizations. 
• Long-held theories about the collapse of ancient civilizations are starting to change.
• Climate change wasn't the only factor in their collapse, but it played a large role. 

Coliseums, giant stone heads, abandoned gardens, and ancient signs of plumbing are all signs of a prosperous and intelligent ancient civilization.

So why leave it all behind?

For years, scientists have been trying to solve these mysteries and have developed varying theories.

However, with our current reckoning with a volatile climate, researchers are starting to apply the lens of climate change to the collapse of ancient civilizations.