Theories for the decline of the Mayan Civilisations

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The Maya were a flourishing South American civilisation of the Classic Period (from 300 AD to 900 AD). Evidence has shown that the Mayans were a sophisticated, intelligent society; they were developed in astronomy, calendar systems, architecture, agriculture, hieroglyphic writing and had a thriving pagan religion. Around 900 AD it is evident that there was a decline in the civilisation and the Mayan cities were abandoned. The reasoning for the disappearance of the Mayan civilisation has remained a mystery to the historical world. But Mayan historians and archaeologists have put forward various theories that could be the key to unlocking the mystery of the Mayan civilisation.

One of the most popular theories to the Mayan disappearance was that with the rapidly growing population and severe drought, the land became incapable of fulfilling the needs of the Mayans. It is evident that the Mayans were densely populated with evidence of population densities of 2,600 people per square mile. Archaeologists and historians have been able to uncover thousands of Mayan housing foundations connected to paved roads in between the large cities, suggesting urban sprawl. This is reliable as it is environmental evidence. With the growth of the population came a dangerous