The Maya was an ancient civilisation of the Mesoamerican region which flourished during the classical period (C.E. 200-1000). This civilisation covered an area including Southern Mexico, Guatemala, Northern Belize and Honduras. Between AD 800 and 900, the Maya civilisation underwent a decline that has been called; “One of the most profound cultural failures in human history.” There are many theories in relation to the decline of this classical civilisation ranging from climate change to economic collapse. These and other explanations have been debated between scholars and historians for decades.
Maya ruins
Maya skeleton at Belize
Dr Michel Peissel, a French ethnologist and explorer, suggested the likelihood of foreign invaders as a possible theory for the Maya decline. He believes there may be a close relationship to this theory and that of economic collapse. Scholars are unsure who the invaders may have been, but there is evidence to suggest they were the Teotihuacán culture from the valley of Mexico. This culture lived in close proximity to the Maya empire and evidence shows they shared a strong relationship. Pottery and Stelae (carved pillars), dating from about the 5th century analysed by Professor George Kubler, a specialist in the iconography of Teotihuacán, show similar artistic features to that of the Teotihuacán culture. It is also noted that the Teotihuacán culture disappeared around the time of the Maya decline. There has also been evidence of occupation by the Mexican Toltec culture (C.E 800-1200) within the Yucatan region. Proof of this included the emergence of Toltec inspired art and architecture appearing in the late 900’s in Chichen Itza; a Maya city that flourished during the Classical period. Maya records indicate that this occupation lasted for a period of 200 years. Together with the theory of drought, this idea of foreign attack seems likely. If the Maya was in a state of food scarcity and malnutrition, an invasion when this culture was at its weakest may have been a contributing factor in its decline. With the considerable amount of archaeological evidence in relation to this theory, I believe it would be a feasible explanation.
Teotihuacán influenced
vessel
In the ancient city of Dos Pilas, (modern-day Guatemala), a Maya pyramid containing numerous hieroglyphs was uncovered in September 2002. The hieroglyphs were found and translated by archaeologist Arthur Demarest and epigrapher Federico Fahsen of Vanderbilt University. Both believe this information could provide evidence for the theory of civil war as a factor in the decline of the Maya. The hieroglyphs describe Dos Pilas as an outpost for the city of Tikal. The ruler of Dos Pilas was the brother of the king of Tikal.The writings tell how the city-state of Calakmul took the king of Dos Pilas as prisoner. Eventually, he was restored to his throne, but now as a pawn of Calakmul; who turned on his brother and invaded Tikal. Historians originally believed Maya wars were only regional, but this evidence shows they actually had a much wider radius. The cities of Tikal and Calakmul are examples of this; two Maya superpowers, battling each other for control. Simon Martin from the University of Pennsylvania Museum said; “The system broke down and ran out of control.” With such an amount of primary, archaeological evidence from the hieroglyphs supporting this theory, I believe it seems to be a realistic explanation for the Maya decline.
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Archaeologist Arthur Demarest (left) and epigrapher Federico Fahsen, both of Vanderbilt University, sit on newly unearthed hieroglyphic stairs at the Maya site of Dos Pilas in Guatemalala.
Economic collapse has also been considered as a possible theory in relation to the decline of the Maya empire. In the 1970's, anthropologist William Rathje studied the pattern of Maya city failure. He found that the first of the cities abandoned were those whose main trading items were luxuries such as decorative pottery and religious items. Because of the 'economic disaster' these items were not in demand, so cities producing them no longer had a trade system. Without the income generated by trade, the cities became worthless. Proof of the weakened Maya economy includes evidence from other cultures. The Mexican Teotihuacan culture disappeared around this period, which may have been associated with an economic downfall. The cities in the Northern Yucatan peninsula and Guatemala highlands, further away from the conventional trade centre continued to survive, possibly because they were less dependent on trading. The modern crisis associated with the 'global recession' may have prompted historians to look at the theory of economic collapse seriously. If the whole world can be affected in this way, why can't an ancient civilisation? From the information proposed, this theory seems likely.
Maya vase (600-900 AD) found at Copan, Honduras
In conclusion, there is much evidence in relation to the decline of the ancient Maya civilisation; a powerful empire that should have stood the test of time. Many theories have been examined throughout the decades, but none have been shown as entirely decisive. The most common view held today is that the decline was attributed to a combination of factors. However, in the opinion of others such as Elizabeth Benson, an expert in Mesoamerican culture, it still remains to be; ‘One of the greatest mysteries of archaeology.’
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