In 1695, Spanish monk Andrés de Avendano y Loyola fled through Central America.
Mission to convert Mayan king of Tayasal to Christianity failed.
Encountered the ruins of Tikal, a once-great Mayan city.
Background on Mayan Civilization
Mayan civilization was mighty but faced decline by the late 17th century.
Diseases like smallpox and Spanish conquest devastated the population.
Tikal was one of at least 40 Mayan cities, showcasing a rich culture of art and literature.
Discovery and Exploration
John Lloyd Stevens and artist Catherwood explored Guatemalan ruins in the 19th century.
Their findings challenged beliefs that such grand cities were built by "savage" peoples.
Mayan Writing and Culture
The Maya had a sophisticated writing system using hieroglyphics.
The Spanish bishop Diego de Landa's actions nearly eradicated Mayan written texts, but his notes later helped decipher the language.
Maya Society and Structure
Maya civilization was not a single empire but a collection of city-states in modern-day Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and southern Mexico.
Developed complex mathematics, cultural practices, and a rich pantheon of gods.
Environmental Challenges
The Yucatan Peninsula had harsh environmental conditions (thin soil, low protein crops, low water availability).
The Maya relied on slash-and-burn agriculture while struggling with severe deforestation and agricultural inefficiency.
Rise of Tikal and Teotihuacan
Tikal became the largest and most powerful city through alliances, possibly with Teotihuacan.
Rival city Calakmul emerged, creating a long-term conflict with Tikal.
Warfare and Political Struggles
Tikal dominated but faced challenges from Calakmul and other allies.
Internal strife and wars led to significant political shifts and weakened Tikal.
The Collapse
Population pressures and environmental stresses (drought and deforestation) led to food shortages.
Failure to maintain agricultural yields caused society to fracture and political systems to collapse.
Evidence suggests a series of conflicts and battles over scarce resources emerged during this period.
Archaeological Evidence
Inscriptions and monuments show a decline in construction and activity from 800 AD onward.
Cities like Tikal and Copan fell into obscurity, with populations dwindling over time.
Conclusion
The Maya civilization's collapse was caused by a combination of environmental degradation, climate change, societal pressures, and political instability.
The ruins and texts left behind serve as a testament to a once-great civilization that ultimately fell into chaos.