diff --git a/lib/OpenLayers/Map.js b/lib/OpenLayers/Map.js
index c2bb9f0e28..d1e5e9a124 100644
--- a/lib/OpenLayers/Map.js
+++ b/lib/OpenLayers/Map.js
@@ -243,7 +243,7 @@ OpenLayers.Map.prototype = {
         this.unloadDestroy = null;
 
         if (this.layers != null) {
-            for(var i=0; i< this.layers.length; i++) {
+            for (var i = this.layers.length - 1; i>=0; --i) {
                 //pass 'false' to destroy so that map wont try to set a new 
                 // baselayer after each baselayer is removed
                 this.layers[i].destroy(false);
@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ OpenLayers.Map.prototype = {
             this.layers = null;
         }
         if (this.controls != null) {
-            for(var i=0; i< this.controls.length; i++) {
+            for (var i = this.controls.length - 1; i>=0; --i) {
                 this.controls[i].destroy();
             } 
             this.controls = null;