The Classic Maya collapse is one of the great mysteries of archaeology. For more than a thousand years the Maya developed an advanced culture in the rain forests of Central America. Their culture’s manifestations included monumental architecture, a sophisticated calendar, true literacy, hereditary kings and lords, long-range trade, and stunning art.
But in only a hundred years, beginning in the eighth century A.D., it disappeared. Not the Maya themselves, but the sophisticated aspects of their civilized, ordered society. In the southern Maya lowlands building ceased, writing stopped, artwork was discontinued, and the nobility disappeared. Many of the greatest Maya cities fell into ruins. The last recorded date at Palenque was A.D. 790. Copan collapsed shortly thereafter. By the end of the next century Tikal was in ruins.
Pennsylvania State archaeologist David Webster draws on recent research to present us with a comprehensive account of the vast changes that took place in the Maya world. The more you look at the problem, the more complex it becomes. Webster points out that while many of the great cities of the south ceased to function, Maya cities in the north continued to prosper right up to the time of Spanish conquest. Even in the south, the people didn’t disappear, just the complex culture.
Webster carefully examines the problems with Maya culture and weaves a complex story of the collapse. Several causes contributed to this major change. First and foremost was a growing imbalance between population and resources leading to a food shortage. There were also the destabilizing effects of intercity competition and warfare. Finally, there was a rejection of the ideology and institution of kingship. While some scholars will disagree with Webster about the relative importance of the causes, few will reject them. The Fall of the Ancient Maya is a very readable and persuasive treatise on a very important and difficult problem.
