1. The Maya Cities of the Southern Lowlands
In the 9th century CE, the once-thriving Maya cities of the southern lowlands—like Tikal and Copán—were suddenly abandoned. Archaeologists point to a combination of prolonged drought, intense warfare, and social unrest as likely causes for this rapid decline. The jungle quickly reclaimed these monumental city-states, leaving behind towering temples and haunting ruins. Despite decades of research, the exact sequence of events remains elusive, making the Maya collapse one of history’s most intriguing mysteries. Learn more at Smithsonian Magazine.
