Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Andrews, Anthony
Keywords
Maya Civilization, Copán, Tikal, Environment, Politics
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
This thesis examines collapse theories of the Terminal Classic southern Maya lowland polities in the 8th and 9th centuries, with specific emphasis on Copán and Tikal. This body of work seeks to catalogue Maya collapse theories, thoroughly analyze two Maya polities and finally analyze both states through comparative study, taking special interest in the environmental and political aspects of their collapses. I have analyzed the many causes of the collapse and I have specifically examined the similarities in the collapses of Tikal and Copán, in an attempt to explain the timelines of their collapses. While there has been dissension on a larger scale concerning the Maya collapse when two states are examined on a much smaller scale it is possible to understand what common factors led to their collapse and what individual features of each polity allowed them to survive longer than others.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Mariama, "The Written Collapse: A Comparative Evaluation of the Terminal Classic Maya Collapse" (2015). Theses & ETDs. 5041.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5041