The Downfall of Easter Island:

The Easter Island civilization flourished for years and reached a peak in about 1550 of more than 9,000 people. Within the same era the civilization underwent a drastic change and eventually declined. The decline of the civilization was due to deforestation, soil depletion, and erosion. Much of this ecological decline was due to the overuse of natural resources for agriculture and building so many moai. The overpopulation also depleted much of these resources. The Easter Island fell into decline and there is even some evidence, though very little, of cannibalism. However, the intensity and severity of the cannibalism is unknown.

In about 1722, when the first Europeans arrived to Easter Island, their civilization declined even more due to many diseases. However, after its annexation by Chile, Easter Island, locally known as Rapa Nui, grew to a population of more than 2,000. Today it still has a distinct and flourishing culture.