Fall of Civilizations Podcast 3. The Mayan Collapse - Ruins Among the Trees
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Feb 7, 2019 Dive into the mystery of the Classic Maya Civilization as vast stone pyramids crumble in Central America's jungles. Discover the environmental challenges that shaped their rise and the catastrophic flaws beneath their success. From the grandeur of Tikal to fierce rivalries and symbolic warfare, explore the complexities that led to their decline. Unpack the role of deforestation, drought, and societal unrest in their collapse, revealing a poignant legacy of a civilization that once flourished.
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Avandaño's Discovery of Tikal
- In 1695, a Spanish monk, Andrés de Avandaño y Loyola, stumbled upon the ruins of Tikal while fleeing through the jungle.
- He was astonished by the size and grandeur of the pyramids, despite being weakened from hunger and thirst.
Stephens and Catherwood's Exploration
- John Lloyd Stephens and Frank Catherwood rediscovered Tikal in the 19th century, causing a global sensation.
- Their detailed documentation challenged prevailing assumptions, asserting that indigenous peoples had built these cities.
De Landa's Paradox
- Diego de Landa, a Spanish bishop, burned Mayan books, aiming to destroy their culture.
- Ironically, his meticulous notes on Mayan language proved crucial for deciphering surviving texts.