Ancient history

Why did the Maya civilization disappear?

There is no single, definitive answer to this question, as the collapse of the Maya civilization was a complex process influenced by a variety of factors. However, some of the most commonly cited factors include:

* Drought: The Maya region experienced a series of severe droughts during the 8th and 9th centuries, which led to crop failures and widespread famine.

* Warfare: The Maya civilization was also plagued by warfare, both between different Maya city-states and from outside invaders.

* Disease: Disease, such as smallpox and measles, may have also played a role in the decline of the Maya civilization.

* Overpopulation: Some scholars believe that the Maya population grew too large for the region's resources to support, leading to environmental degradation and social unrest.

* Deforestation: The Maya practiced slash-and-burn agriculture, which may have led to deforestation and soil erosion.

It is important to note that the collapse of the Maya civilization was not a sudden event, but rather a gradual process that took place over several centuries. Additionally, the factors listed above are not exhaustive, and there are likely other factors that contributed to the decline of the Maya civilization.