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Ancient Maya Cities: Climate and Conflict Drive Urban Decline

11/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The study analyzes the rise and fall of ancient urban centers, focusing on Classic Maya cities, to reveal patterns relevant to modern urban challenges.
Led by Douglas Kennett of the University of California, Santa Barbara, the team finds climate changes, conflict, and economic factors drove urbanization.
Cities were abandoned even as climatic conditions improved, contradicting the view that drought was the primary cause of decline.

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Story summary

The study analyzes the rise and fall of ancient urban centers, focusing on Classic Maya cities, to reveal patterns relevant to modern urban challenges.
Led by Douglas Kennett of the University of California, Santa Barbara, the team finds climate changes, conflict, and economic factors drove urbanization.
Cities were abandoned even as climatic conditions improved, contradicting the view that drought was the primary cause of decline.