The Maya’s Mystifying Collapse – Has the Truth Finally Been Uncovered?

Did the longstanding mystery of what caused the downfall of the Maya – of one of the ancient world’s great civilizations – just get solved?

Nothing is mightier than an empire at its peak. Great civilizations, awash in traditions, culture, knowledge, technology, riches and the raw power to make global changes have altered history and shaped the face of the earth throughout time. So how do these epic societies crumble so fantastically?

When it comes to the Maya of Mesoamerica, it’s still a puzzle. They were so mighty that we marvel at their historical footprint today. So what strange circumstances ended with the downfall of the Maya civilization?

1000-year-old Mystery

The Classic Period (250 – 900 AD) was high times for the powerful and advanced Maya empire. Encompassing what is now southeastern Mexico, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador, the Maya held the throne. As with many civilizations, politics and intrigue were cut-throat, conflict was common, and city-states and rival kingdoms feuded for control of the region.

Classic period sculpture showing sajal Aj Chak Maax presenting captives before ruler Itzamnaaj B’alam III of Yaxchilan. (Public Domain)