in 3–5 sentences, explain the three different theories as discussed in the unit on what happened to the Mayan people. Which theory do you believe? Explain your reasoning

Answer 1

According to the unit, the three theories regarding the fate of the Mayan people are as follows:

1. Environmental Theory: This theory suggests that the Mayan civilization faced a decline due to environmental factors such as deforestation, soil erosion, or drought. The strain on resources combined with societal changes may have led to the collapse of the Mayan civilization.

2. Internal Conflict Theory: This theory proposes that internal conflicts, such as warfare or political instability, played a significant role in the downfall of the Mayans. Social unrest, political rivalries, and power struggles may have weakened the Mayan society, eventually leading to its collapse.

3. External Invasion Theory: This theory argues that the Mayan civilization was invaded or conquered by external forces. It suggests that an outside group, such as the Toltecs or Chichimecs, may have invaded the Mayan territories and overthrown their ruling elite, resulting in the decline of the Mayan civilization.

Personally, I find it difficult to pinpoint one theory as the sole explanation for the decline of the Mayan people. The Mayan civilization spanned over a large geographical area, and different regions might have experienced distinct causes for their decline. Moreover, considering the complexity of historical events, a combination of environmental, internal, and external factors likely contributed to the fall of the Mayans. It is important to acknowledge that historical circumstances are rarely driven by a single cause, and a holistic approach that considers multiple factors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the Mayan collapse.