Five Enduring Mysteries of the Maya That Continue to Puzzle Experts
The Maya recorded much of their knowledge in books known as codices, written on bark paper and folded like modern manuscripts.
by Justin Gurkinic
February 18, 2025
The Maya built one of the most advanced civilizations of the ancient world, yet many aspects of their society remain unexplained. Despite centuries of research, archaeologists and historians continue to investigate their sophisticated knowledge, the decline of their great cities, and puzzling artifacts.
Here are five of the most intriguing mysteries still surrounding the Maya.
1. What Led to the Gradual Decline of the Maya Civilization?
At its peak, the Maya civilization thrived with sprawling cities, towering pyramids, and a deep understanding of astronomy and mathematics. However, between the 8th and 9th centuries, many major cities in the southern lowlands were abandoned. While some settlements persisted, the once-dominant civilization weakened significantly.
Severe droughts – Climate records suggest prolonged droughts contributed to agricultural collapse. Deforestation and soil depletion – Intensive farming and urban expansion may have led to ecological damage. Warfare and political instability – Evidence of fortified cities and mass graves suggests increasing conflict. Economic shifts – Trade networks may have changed, leaving once-prosperous cities without resources.
While scholars agree that multiple factors contributed to the decline, no single cause fully explains why some cities collapsed while others continued to flourish.
More:
https://curiosmos.com/five-enduring-mysteries-of-the-maya-that-continue-to-puzzle-experts/