The Mayan Demise

The exact reason behind the Mayan demise still remains a mystery. There are several studies that have been carried out to study the actual reason that caused extinction of Mayan people and civilization. There are many reasons that are predicted to cause Mayan demise ranging from drought spells, class warfare or royal infighting, climatic fluctuations, overpopulation, environmental stresses and many more. With many of these reasons trying to justify the fall of this civilization, still there is not concrete evidence that dictates the actual reasons. There are many studies such as sediment studies that are being carried out to study the effect of climatic fluctuation that occurred in this region. Some of the reasons that are assumed to cause destruction of this society such as drought effects and royal infighting are illustrated below. It will be interested to see how climatic variation that occurred over a span of period may have caused this destruction.

Mayan demise due to drought

One of the best reasons that come closest towards suggestion of Mayan demise is the effect that was sparked due to climatic variations. Studies that were conducted in Central American region (Mexico) where Mayan civilization flourished indicated that there were three spells of drought that occurred in 810, 860 and 910 A.D. All the three droughts occurred with small intensity and lasted around three to nine years. The results that are obtained through above study has close association with another study that suggested Mayan civilization experienced fall over a period of three stages. The recent sediment tests that were undertaken in this region also points towards lower level of rainfall during certain stages. This was calculated based on the level of titanium that is present in the soil. Titanium provides direct indication of amount of rainfall.

Royal infighting theory for Mayan demise

Under the study that was sponsored by national geographic committee for exploration and research, royal infighting that occurred in Mayan civilization might be the actual reason for the fall of this civilization. This also emphasis that drought is not the original cause for destruction as it was thought to be by other studies. During 850A.D, it is believed that division among people had occurred. There was also opinion among some people that hierarchy that was running at that moment was not favorable for certain people. This idea among people made them to leave that place and this contributed towards fall of entire civilization.

Massive excavation that was carried in Mexico has revealed that the kingdom flourished with great prosperity until one of the above causes had lead towards catastrophic end of the Mayan people. There are certain monuments that still stand out and some ruins are also present deep below the ground. There are several other studies that are being carried out in this region and it is believed that scientists will be able to find out the mystery behind Mayan demise. It will not be too long before a concrete theory that explains fall of Mayan civilization backed up with conceptual evidence will be developed.

Related Articles:

1. Understanding The Mayan Culture
2. A Real Look Into The Mayan Prophecy
3. John Major Jenkins