End to the Mayan Civilization

The Mayan empire existed for 4,000 years, from 2600 BC to 1500 AD, and it spanned five modern day countries which include Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Belize. Mayan civilization made significant strides in astronomy, agriculture and architecture, and it prided itself on its colorful art and skilled artisans. By the end of their reign, however, the Mayans may have turned self destructive, power grabbing and environmentally abusive (Petrakis).

The end of the Mayan culture is described as very abrupt. Change came quickly to the Maya world. The great cities of the Ancient Maya stopped growing. People began to give up making vast buildings for their priests and religious purposes. It seemed as though the Mayan civilization had disappeared. Many people speculate what happened to this complex civilization. One theory is that constant warfare weakened the great cities. Another is that Maya farming destroyed the land. Geological evidence speculates that drought may have hurt the Maya as well (Garrett). Without this necessary precipitation, the Maya could not support their agriculture and would have most likely starved. The ancient culture of the Maya still lives on today. Many people still speak Mayan languages (Mueller). They also practice many old customs.

Garrett, Kenneth. "The Amazing Maya." National Geographic Explorer Sept. 2006
Science In Context. Web. 7 Dec. 2011

Mueller, Mary "Mystery of the Maya" School Library Journal 52.6 (June 2006) p81

Petrakis, John "The Fall of the Empire" The Christian Century (Dec. 26, 2006) p37.