"The early Classic Maya period was unusually wet, wetter than the previous thousand years," according to study leader Douglas Ke
nnett, an environmental anthropologist at Pennsylvania State University. "During this time, the population proliferated," aided by a surge in agriculture. But the 200-year-long wet spell turned out to be an anomaly. When the climate pendulum swung back, hard times followed.
"Mayan systems were founded on those [high] rainfall patterns," Kennett said. "They could not support themselves when patterns changed."
The Maya religious and political system was based on the belief that rulers were in direct communication with the gods. When these divine connections failed to produce rainfall and good harvests, tensions likely developed.
The Maya religious and political system was based on the belief that rulers were in direct communication with the gods. When these divine connections failed to produce rainfall and good harvests, tensions likely developed.
There are several items that the West wanted from the national government, but the best options from the list would be "cheap land" and "publicly financed roads"
Roman statesman who gained fame for his selfless devotion to the republic in times of crisis and for giving up the reins of power when the crisis was over. Although he was a historical figure, his career has been much embellished by legend.
