ISEE Upper Level Reading Comprehension Quiz
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The collapse of the Maya civilization in the 9th century CE has puzzled archaeologists for decades, with recent research suggesting that environmental factors played a crucial role alongside political and social pressures. The Maya built their greatest cities in the tropical lowlands of Guatemala and Mexico, areas that today receive abundant rainfall. However, paleoclimatic studies using lake sediments and tree ring data indicate that the region experienced severe drought conditions between 800-900 CE. During this period, rainfall decreased by approximately 40% compared to previous centuries, creating water shortages that would have been catastrophic for Maya agriculture. The Maya had developed sophisticated water management systems, including reservoirs and canals, but these were designed for normal rainfall patterns. Archaeological evidence shows that many Maya cities were abandoned during this drought period, with populations migrating to areas with more reliable water sources. Interestingly, Maya settlements in highland regions with different climate patterns continued to thrive long after the lowland cities were abandoned. Some researchers argue that the drought merely accelerated existing problems caused by warfare, overpopulation, and political instability, while others contend that climate change was the primary driver of collapse.
Which evidence best supports the argument that environmental factors were the primary cause of Maya civilization's collapse?
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