Paleo Slide Set: Climate and the Classic Maya Civilization
Quantitative representation of the Classic Maya Collapse, from Lowe, 1985

The number of sites engaged in monument carving at any time (t) is one of many expressions 
of change in society. The data illustrate a typical exponential growth curve throughout the 
Classic Period, peaking from about 700 to 800 A.D., followed by a precipitous drop between 
800 and 900 A.D. This decline-- coupled with evidence of population changes that show the same 
trajectory-- provides evidence of the collapse of Classic Maya civilization in the 9th century. 

Photo Credits:
David A. Hodell 
Department of Geology, University of Florida