Although the cause of a great empire's collapse is usually complex, drought has been a primary cause in several of these.

Due to climate change, several states across the country are experiencing water shortages. California, Colorado, and various other states are also experiencing severe drought conditions.

Due to the lack of water, several countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East are at risk of experiencing a drought crisis. This isn’t the first time that water shortages have negatively affected society. Archaeological evidence suggests that ancient societies collapsed when the water ran dry.

Mesa Verde

At its peak, the community of Mesa Verde was known for its multiple multi-story structures that were built on the cliffs. The people who lived in the area were known to enjoy hunting big game and eating local food. However, after a drought that lasted for over two decades, the people of the community eventually left the area. Archaeological sites in the area have revealed signs of a violent conflict that occurred during the drought.

The Akkadian Empire

The Akkadian Empire was one of the first great empires. It spanned the Middle East from 2350 to 2150 B.C. According to a study published in the journal Geology, the collapse of the empire was caused by the region's shifting arid conditions. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region's previously developed civilization suddenly collapsed when the water ran dry.

The Mayan Empire

The Mayan Empire lived in the tropical lowlands of Central America and Mexico. They were skilled at building complex stone structures and were known for their language and agriculture. However, by 900 A.D., many of their cities were already abandoned. Although researchers aren't exactly sure what caused the collapse of the empire, they believe that drought could have been a contributing factor.

The Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty, which spanned from A.D. 618 to 906, was regarded as a period of great cultural and arts development in ancient China. During this time, it also expanded its trade links with other countries through the Silk Road. Unfortunately, due to the lack of water, the population of these dynasties decreased. According to a study conducted by the National Science Foundation, the extreme drought could have caused these dynasties to decline due to poor harvests.

The Old Kingdom of Egypt

In ancient Egypt, the drought that ravaged the Akkadian Empire in Syria affected the country's Nile River. This caused the water levels to shrink, which severely affected the country's agricultural production. This also led to the reduction of the government's tax revenue. The lack of funds and the poor harvests affected the development of the Old Kingdom, which was a pyramid-building region.