The best evaluation of the rapid decline of the Mayan Empire acknowledges that it was likely due to a combination of multiple factors rather than a single cause. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
-
No Single Cause: Indicate that the decline resulted from various interrelated causes, rather than one specific event or issue.
-
Diseases: Mention the impact of widespread diseases brought by the Spanish, which significantly affected the population and led to epidemics.
-
Warfare: Highlight that constant warfare among Mayan city-states undermined political unity, leading to further instability and weakening of societal structures.
-
Environmental Factors: Discuss how drought and resulting food shortages had serious consequences, prompting people to abandon cities in search of resources and survival.
Considering these points, a comprehensive understanding of the Mayan decline involves recognizing that it was a complex interplay of social, environmental, and external pressures.