Stuff You Should Know Did Climate Cause the Collapse of the Maya?
Dec 3, 2019
The sudden collapse of the ancient Maya civilization remains one of history's great mysteries. A captivating theory links their decline to catastrophic climate change, exploring how environmental factors intertwined with warfare and water scarcity. Discover groundbreaking technologies like LIDAR that unveil hidden Maya cities, alongside engaging anecdotes about their cultural achievements. The discussion extends to the broader implications of climate on past civilizations, emphasizing the critical need for sustainable practices today.
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Lindbergh's 'Discovery'
- In 1929, Charles Lindbergh flew over Belize and spotted what looked like ruins.
- This fueled the legend of Lindbergh discovering the lost Mayan civilization, although locals were already aware of it.
The Classic Maya
- The Maya civilization thrived from 2600 BC to 1200 AD, peaking during the Classic period (250-900 AD).
- Their advanced cities rivaled European capitals in population, boasting complex infrastructure and cultural achievements.
Warring City-States
- The Maya empire wasn't unified politically.
- It consisted of independent, often warring city-states, despite sharing a common culture.