An archaeologist carefully works to revive a small part of the grandeur of the  Classic city of Ek Balam, once more powerful than Chichen Itza.

Archaeology Yucatan

The Cycles of Time

 

Across vast tracts of seemingly deserted  jungle lowlands, cornfields and rocky outcrops, is scattered evidence of kingdoms which rose and fell, and millions of people who lived and died.  The question that haunts us now is this: how did a 5,000-year civilization of agricultural, astronomical and mathematical geniuses perish in only 10-20 years? Theories abound.

 

Pulitzer Prize winner Jared Diamond, author of Collapse, says the demise of the Maya follows a reoccuring pattern. Gathering from archaeology, anthropology and ecology, he identifies common contributors of collapse in extinct societies from Easter Islanders to the Anasazi. In all cases the predictors  of imminent collapse are the same: overuse of resources for war; overpopulation;  little regard for the future; top heavy distribution of wealth; an insulated governing elite; cultural arrogance, and finally, an unanticipated environmental challenge like drought or disease. The mystery of the disappearing Maya may not be so mysterious.

"The swimmer", is one of many life-like stucco sculptures at Ek Balam. They have survived the elements for hundreds of years under rock.

Creativity, Faith and Nobility

Unspoiled and Mysterious

Lifelike Sculptures 

Power and Prosperity

A History of Commercialism

Two Great Civilizations Merge

Off the Tourist Trail

Walking Pilgrimage

Explore by Foot or Bicycle