New information holds clues to Mayan collapse

New information holds clues to Mayan collapse

One of the greatest archaeological mysteries of our time involves the collapse of the once-great Mayan civilization.  Though European powers would eventually reach the shores of Central America and destroy much of what remained of this culture, the true collapse came hundreds of years earlier.  Unfortunately, the Spanish also burned many of the Mayan books in their efforts to purge pagan beliefs, so historical records are extremely limited on the subject.  Scholars have spent decades speculating on what might have caused the collapse, developing theories that included warfare, political breakdown and environmental collapse.  No doubt all theories are in some way correct and that no one thing caused the collapse.  Recently, more clues have been found relating to shifts in Mayan trading patterns.  These discoveries may add one more piece to this intriguing puzzle.

One of the most valuable substances in Mayan society was obsidian.  Since the Mayans had no knowledge of how to forge metal weapons, this volcanic glass was used for warfare and seen as an indicator of wealth and power.  The control of sources of obsidian was essential to Mayan leaders who wished to maintain the prominence of their kingdoms.

This new study of the Mayan trade of obsidian shows that where once the substance was acquired via river trade routes, near the time of the collapse the main distribution came from coastal trade.  This means that inland kingdoms, which were once strong and glorious, might have slowly lost their edge to coastal kingdoms.  Without the vital obsidian, leaders would have become poorer and poorer until eventually their neighbors on the coast took over as the most powerful kingdoms of the region. 

Researchers figured all this out by using advanced Social Network Analysis software to track the presence of certain types of obsidian in different regions over several time periods.  These amazing new computer tools allow for complex examinations of such patterns and provide access to information that might otherwise have taken decades to assemble. 

Currently, the causes behind the shifts in trade are not known, but will likely be the subject of study in the near future.  Some theories include rivalries between formerly allied kingdoms or increases in the technology and efficiency of coastal seafaring.  Finally, all the years of speculation may be coming to an end as more discoveries are made using the power of technology.  The mysteries of the past are being made clear via the innovations of the present.