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The Ancients
The Maya Collapse
Jul 28, 2024
Join Paul Cooper, a seasoned podcaster and author on ancient civilizations, as he delves into the mysterious Maya Collapse. Discover how thriving cities like Tikal fell due to climate change, agricultural failures, and societal unrest. Unearth the complexities of Maya warfare and impressively engineered water systems, which played crucial roles during times of crisis. Learn how the remnants of this once-great civilization continue to resonate today, reminding us of the delicate balance of societal resilience amidst environmental challenges.
43:16
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Quick takeaways
- The Maya Collapse was driven by a combination of environmental stressors, societal upheaval, and severe drought conditions affecting water supplies and agriculture.
- The lessons from the Maya civilization highlight the importance of sustainability and proactive measures against environmental degradation to avoid societal decline.
Deep dives
Overview of the Maya Civilization
The classic Maya civilization consisted of interconnected city-states sharing a common culture and language in the Yucatan Peninsula, comprising parts of present-day Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala. The landscape presented unique challenges, with porous limestone terrain leading to limited freshwater sources. The Maya developed ingenious agricultural techniques, including slash-and-burn practices and advanced irrigation systems, to cultivate crops like maize, beans, and cacao. This adaptation to their environment was critical for sustaining their society and contributed to the flourishing of their urban centers.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode