c. 800–900 CEReputable sourceDebated
The Classic Maya Collapse
On the timeline · around c. 800–900 CE ·
What happened
Over the 9th century, one after another the great southern lowland cities — Tikal, Palenque, Copán — stopped raising monuments and were abandoned. The population fell dramatically as the Classic Maya world unravelled.
Why it matters
The 'Maya collapse' is one of history's great mysteries, most likely driven by a mix of prolonged drought, overpopulation, and endless warfare.
How we know
No single cause is proven; drought, environmental strain and warfare are the leading explanations, drawn from archaeology and climate data.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. The Classic Maya Collapse · Reputable source