Last Long Count Date Inscribed

The Classic Maya civilization experienced a significant decline during the 9th and 10th centuries, leading to the abandonment of many urban centers across the central Maya region. This period marked a transition where large areas, including major capitals and their secondary centers, were largely deserted within a span of 50 to 100 years. The societal structure that had supported the flourishing of these cities began to unravel, resulting in a cessation of monumental activities such as the sculpting of dated stelae. The last recorded Long Count date was inscribed at Toniná, indicating the end of a significant era in Maya history. Following this, the practice of erecting stelae ceased entirely, and many royal palaces fell into disrepair, becoming occupied by squatters. This decline also had broader implications for trade, as established Mesoamerican trade routes began to shift, bypassing key areas like Petén, which further contributed to the economic and cultural disintegration of the region.