What led to the decline of the Maya civilization?

The decline of the Maya civilization is attributed to a combination of factors, notably drought, warfare, and overpopulation. Environmental challenges, such as prolonged droughts, significantly affected agricultural productivity, which was crucial for supporting the densely populated city-states. As resources dwindled, competition for land and water intensified, leading to conflicts and warfare between emerging polities.

Overpopulation played a critical role as well; as cities grew, the strain on resources became more pronounced. This combination of ecological stressors and sociopolitical instability contributed to a gradual decline, forcing cities to abandon their urban centers. Such a multifaceted explanation reflects the complexity of the challenges faced by the Maya, making it clear that their decline cannot be pinned down to a single cause like natural disasters or external conquest. Understanding the interplay of these factors gives a more comprehensive view of the civilization's eventual collapse.