Which of the following serves as an external factor for a civilization’s decline?
There are many possible external factors that can contribute to a civilization's decline. Some examples include:
1. Invasion or conquest by another civilization: A strong external force can conquer or invade a civilization, leading to its decline or complete destruction. For example, the fall of the Roman Empire was partly due to invasions by Germanic tribes.
2. Environmental degradation: External factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, or climate change can lead to the decline of a civilization. For instance, the collapse of the Mayan civilization in Central America is believed to be partly caused by environmental destruction and drought.
3. Trade disruptions: Interruptions in trade routes or the loss of valuable resources can weaken a civilization's economy and stability. The decline of the Incas in South America was partially caused by disruptions in their trade network due to Spanish colonization.
4. Disease and pandemics: Epidemics and pandemics, particularly those brought by external contact, can devastate a civilization. The introduction of smallpox by European colonizers significantly contributed to the decline of indigenous populations in the Americas.
5. Political instability and internal conflicts in neighboring regions: Neighboring civilizations experiencing political instability, internal conflicts, or civil wars can create a spill-over effect that impacts neighboring civilizations and contributes to their decline. The decline of the Byzantine Empire was partly influenced by the political instability of surrounding empires.
It's important to note that the decline of a civilization is often the result of a combination of internal and external factors, rather than just one factor alone.