Collapse of the Classic Maya Civilization
| Archaeology | Maya Civilization |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published: | Updated:
3 min read
The collapse of the Classic Maya civilization around 900 AD remains one of the most intriguing events in Mesoamerican history. This period saw the abandonment of numerous cities in the central lowlands, leading to a significant decline in the once-thriving civilization. While the exact causes of this collapse are still debated among scholars, the drought theory has gained substantial support in recent years. Evidence from lakebeds and ancient pollen samples suggests that a series of prolonged droughts struck the region, which is typically characterized by seasonal rainfall.
These climatic changes likely led to severe famine, decimating the population that relied heavily on consistent rainfall for agriculture. The interplay of environmental stressors, social upheaval, and resource depletion may have contributed to the eventual decline of the Maya, marking a significant turning point in their history. Understanding the factors that led to this collapse not only sheds light on the Maya civilization but also serves as a cautionary tale about the impacts of climate change on societies.
#Mooflife #MomentOfLife #MayaCivilization #ClassicMayaCollapse #DroughtTheory #MesoamericanHistory #ClimateChangeEffects
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