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Mayan codex section from the Mayan-Troano-Codex

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One of the most debated aspects of Maya archaeology is the collapse of classic Maya civilization. The facts are clear. During the ninth century a.d., city after city in the southern Maya lowlands collapsed. Monuments ceased to be carved, building construction was stopped (sometimes in the middle of a project), and there is evidence of a massive population drop (as much as 90 percent over a century) in some cities. In effect, the lights went out all over the