The difference between the recovery trajectories of the Mayan civilization and the Roman Empire can be best explained by the context of their respective declines.
The Mayan civilization experienced a gradual decline characterized by environmental challenges, such as deforestation and drought, along with social and political disruptions. This decline occurred over several centuries, resulting in the abandonment of cities and a shift in population—but not a complete collapse. While there were significant cultural and demographic changes, some elements of Mayan society persisted, particularly in the highlands and lowland regions, where communities continued to adapt.
In contrast, the Roman Empire faced a more immediate and dramatic collapse, marked by external invasions, economic troubles, and internal strife. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD, the region experienced a significant transformation, leading to the establishment of successor states and the eventual rise of feudalism. While the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) continued for nearly a thousand years after the fall of its western counterpart, the overall recovery was different in nature, with a breakdown of centralized authority in the west compared to the ongoing evolution of Byzantine culture and governance.
In summary, the Mayan civilization experienced a gradual transformation and adaptation, while the Roman Empire faced a more abrupt disintegration and a complex emergence of new political structures.