Series of droughts chronicled in cave rocks likely pushed civilization to breaking point



Summary

Ancient cave formations in Belize reveal a detailed record of severe droughts that coincided with the decline of the Maya civilization. The stalagmites’ mineral composition shows prolonged dry periods between 300 and 1000 AD, with the most intense droughts occurring during the Terminal Classic Period (800-1000 AD). Researchers believe these droughts exacerbated existing social and political tensions within the Maya city-states. Dependence on rain-fed agriculture made the population vulnerable, leading to famine, social unrest, and ultimately, the collapse of their complex social structures. This geological evidence supports the theory that climate change played a significant role in the Maya civilization’s downfall.

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