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The ancient ancestors of today’s Maya people thrived in large sophisticated cities across Central America for centuries. Why, around 750 CE, did they begin to abandon many of their major cities? Archaeologists investigate dramatic new evidence of the catastrophic droughts and instability that pushed cities beyond their limits.

Explore great ancient Maya cities and why their inhabitants abandoned them.

Ancient Maya Metropolis

“The contemporary Maya people still practice not only Maya traditions, but Mesoamerican traditions," anthropologist Iyaxel Coteji Ren told NOVA. "It's one of the traits that distinguish Maya culture."

Oral tradition talks about the importance of these foods for Maya.

These Artifacts and Foods Tie Modern Maya to the Past

LIDAR technology reveals that, in 700 C.E., the ancient Maya city of Caracol was one of the largest in the world.

Light Detection and Ranging, LIDAR, sees through the jungle to reveal what lies beneath.

LIDAR Technology Helps Uncover a Maya Metropolis

Ancient Maya Metropolis Preview

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The ancient ancestors of today’s Maya people thrived in large sophisticated cities across Central America for centuries. Why, around 750 CE, did they begin to abandon many of their major cities? Archaeologists investigate dramatic new evidence of the catastrophic droughts and instability that pushed cities beyond their limits. The evidence also testifies to the survival and resilience of the Maya people, whose traditions and creativity continue to enrich the world today.

Explore ancient Maya cities and learn why their inhabitants abandoned them.

Explore ancient Maya cities and learn why their inhabitants abandoned them

Ancient Worlds

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Ancient Maya Metropolis

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Ancient Maya Metropolis

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Support Provided By

Explore More

LIDAR Technology Helps Uncover a Maya Metropolis

Meet the Extreme Geoengineers of Ancient Times

Total warfare among the Maya began earlier than once thought

Cracking the Maya Code

The Oldest Book Written in the Americas Is a Mayan Guide to Astronomy

Maya: Expert Q&A

Ancient Maya Metropolis

These Artifacts and Foods Tie Modern Maya to the Past