Final answer:
Two common anthropological explanations for the collapses of states are environmental factors, like climate change and resource depletion, and external pressures such as invasions and trade disruptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Archaeologists have proposed multiple anthropological explanations for the collapses of states. One common explanation is environmental factors, such as climate change, natural disasters, and resource depletion, which can undermine a state's agriculture, economy, and overall stability. A second explanation is the impact of external pressures, including invasions, military threats, and trade disruptions, which can lead to the collapse of political systems and social structures.
For example, during the Bronze Age, a series of debilitating droughts had a profound impact on the great empires of that time, hinting at the vulnerability of states to environmental disasters. Similarly, the collapse of the Roman Empire in the West was significantly influenced by Germanic migrations and invasions, showcasing how external military pressures can lead to the downfall of states.
Therefore, anthropological explanations often focus on a combination of environmental challenges and external conflicts as key factors in the collapse of states throughout history.