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Description
This lecture will examine the factors responsible for the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization ca. 900 CE. Collapse of civilizations has characterized global history. The potential causes of the Maya collapse include ecological stress (droughts), population pressure, social revolt, and warfare. Collapse of Maya civilization is multi-causal but mismanagement of the local environment coupled with prolonged drought probably were mainly responsible. Parallels are drawn between the Maya civilization and our own in a time of global climate change and ecological stress.