What happened to the ancient Mayan civilization?

[Judi Lynn]

Last edited Tue Jan 22, 2019, 11:38 PM - Edit history (1)

By Matthew Black
/ 10.18.18



An incredible new technology is being used to take the lid off the mysteries of the Mayan civilization. Using advanced light detection equipment and techniques scientists have virtually removed the jungle canopy to reveal a sprawling city with over 60,000 structures. It’s given us a window into their culture and daily lives like never before and may finally offer us a clue as to what exactly happened to a civilization that was collapsing by the time European explorers arrived.

1. What happened to the Mayans?
The Mayan civilization was enormous. Anywhere from 7 to 11 million people lived within its expansive kingdom. Though the popular opinion is that the Mayan civilization was conquered by Spanish Conquistadors, we don’t actually know what led to the decline of their society. However, there are many theories.



The Mayans peaked long before European explorers arrived (roughly 1,200 years ago, while Columbus only arrived about 500 years ago). New laser technology is giving archaeologists clues about what made Mayan civilization decline to the point that it was largely undefended when the Spanish arrived. So if the Spanish didn’t wipe them out, then who or what did?

2. Once a city, now it’s a jungle
Ancient Maya has been studied by mainstream archaeologists and historians since the culture was rediscovered in 1843, but not until recently has the exploration of Mayan culture gone full throttle. In 2018 alone tens of thousands of structures have been found and dozens of miles of roads, canals, and causeways connecting the massive society.

More:
http://www.history101.com/mayan-mystery/2/

https://tinyurl.com/y8nk647n

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Thanks. I went ons Mayan tour of most of the known sites back in 1990

[a la izquierda]

2. It's "MAYA" not "MAYAN."

Mayan is a catch-all phrase for the language group (i.e. Mayan language) or the culture (Mayan culture). Maya (or Mayas) is used for the people. But since there are like 30+ Maya groups, probably just use their actual group name "K'iche" or "Yucatec," etc.

Also, the "Mayan calendar" they depicted is the Aztec sun stone.

Also, we know a ton more than this website implies.
Sorry, just doing my due diligence as a historian of Mexican indigenous people.

[Judi Lynn]

3. Thank you, a la izquierda. So glad to hear from you on this. I did recognize it was superficial

but I love the pictures! Cannot imagine how advanced they had to be to create such amazing structures.

It would seem like too much to take in at one time to visit any one of these places. Stunning, shocking. I am so curious about why the European culture which stole the Americas didn't have more respect for the people.

Doesn't seem possible people could be that nasty to other human beings.

Very glad to hear your comment about the sun stone. That mistake is made often, I think.