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More than 80 different theories or variations of theories attempting to explain the Classic Maya collapse have been identified. [10] From climate change to deforestation to lack of action by Maya kings, there is no universally accepted collapse theory, although drought has gained momentum in the first quarter of the 21st century as the leading explanation, as more scientific studies are conducted.
Endemic warfare is often cited as the cause of the collapse or disappearance of the Maya civilization and abandonment of what are now ruins. Although warfare certainly played a role in the transition to the Terminal or Postclassic, overpopulation, environmental degradation, and drought all played a role in the change of Maya society.
Building materials used for the construction of Colonial-era churches and other buildings were taken from Maya sites. [9] Degradation of Maya sites due to human effects has increased due to tourism. In some cases, outright vandalism, including graffiti, has permanently altered remains. In other cases, erosion due to overuse as thousands of ...
Archaeologists discovered ancient Maya structures hidden in the Mexican jungle, revealing insights into a civilization dating back to 200 AD.
The social basis of the Classic Maya civilization was an extended political and economic network that reached throughout the Maya area and beyond into the greater Mesoamerican region. [54] The dominant Classic period polities were located in the central lowlands; during this period the southern highlands and northern lowlands can be considered ...
The once-forgotten city in the jungles of Campeche on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula was detected from the skies by LiDAR and contains pyramids, a ball court and spaces marked out by unusual stone ...
The most likely cause of collapse at Tikal is overpopulation and agrarian failure. The fall of Tikal was a blow to the heart of Classic Maya civilization, the city having been at the forefront of courtly life, art and architecture for over a thousand years, with an ancient ruling dynasty. [75]
The book discusses the complex lifestyle and political history of the Maya states, from the first to eighth centuries. It also gives an explanation of the mystery of the ninth-century abandonment of most of the great rainforest cities. It concludes that the Maya civilization has lessons for modern civilization.