The Mayan civilization was one of the most advanced of antiquity, as evidenced by the many archaeological treasures that have survived to this day. However, a critical aspect they faced was the impact of the high temperaturesIn fact, these were one of the main causes of armed conflict towards the end of its existence.
According to a team of archaeologists and statisticians from Canada's Simon Fraser University, who published their research in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews, climate change It is deeply linked to the social tensions and conflicts within this civilization. The question that arises is: Does a similar future await us?
Researchers analyzed data between the years 363 and 888 AD, a period in which Mayan architecture reached its peak. During this time, the number of wars also increased significantly. Using statistical models, the team determined that while rainfall did not appear to influence violence, rising temperatures did. Mark Collard, co-author of the study, noted that “many studies claim that warmer weather increases the risk of aggression among people." For the Mayans, this phenomenon was particularly related to the impact of heat on their fundamental crops, especially corn.
Corn and its importance in the Mayan civilization
Corn was the basic sustenance of the Mayan economy. Not only did it provide food, but it was also a status symbol for community leaders. Their prestige depended as much on success in battle as on their ability to supply the population. During periods of droughts or heat waves, when crops began to fail, the response was to engage in more armed conflicts. This became a vicious cycle: the lack of food encouraged social tensions, which in turn led to more conflicts. These consequences of high temperatures on the Mayan civilization are crucial to understanding its history, a dynamic that can also be found in the medieval warm period.
Today, global warming raises a number of similar concerns. Some experts suggest that one of the next wars could be over water, given that populations continue to grow while water resources diminish. The lessons of the Mayan civilization invite us to reflect on how climate change may exacerbate tensions and conflicts in the future.
Relationship between climate change and armed conflicts
The study by Canadian archaeologists revealed that between 363 and 888 AD there was a notable increase in the number of wars. With the use of Historical records and paleoclimatic data, were able to demonstrate that the number of conflicts increased from 0 to 24 every 25 years at the end of the period, demonstrating a direct correlation with the increase in temperatures. This type of analysis reinforces the idea that climate plays a crucial role in how civilizations respond to resource scarcity, just as other periods of crisis such as the one that affected the year 2017 .
Furthermore, it was found that the change in conflict levels was not related to rainfall. Instead, rising temperatures were the main factor responsible for the increase in hostilidadesThis discovery challenges the common idea that drought was solely responsible for the violence, suggesting that the impact of heat should be considered more closely.
Psychological and economic mechanisms of violence
Researchers propose two mechanisms through which rising temperatures could increase the number of conflicts. The first is psychological; high temperatures can intensify irritability and people's aggressiveness. Several studies in social psychology have shown that heat can increase levels of aggression in individuals.
The second and most relevant mechanism is related to the economy, specifically to corn cultivation. During the Classic Period, when the average temperature rose to 28°C or higher, corn crops began to fail. This caused a food crisis which fostered disputes and conflict rather than cooperation. Deforestation driven by urban expansion exacerbated the availability of soil moisture, further exacerbating this problem.
The impact of global warming on current civilizations
The study of the Mayans reveals a pattern that is very relevant in the context of the contemporary climate change. Today, many societies face challenges similar to those experienced by the Mayan civilization. For example, climate change is leading to food crisis and water that can eventually trigger conflicts. The consequences of climate change on the Mayan civilization have been recorded in history, similar to the warnings that arise during the climate changes in the American continent.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that the consequences of climate change could exacerbate social tensions. This includes interpersonal violence, civil war, and the rise of terrorism. The history of the Mayans reminds us that failure to respond to signs of change can have devastating consequences.
Mayan adaptation strategies
The ancient Maya were not only victims of adverse weather conditions; they also demonstrated a remarkable adaptabilityThey implemented complex strategies to manage their environment and optimize agricultural production. For example, they built dikes and dams to manage water and increase productivity during times of drought.
These managed wetlands made it possible to take advantage of natural flood-drought cycles, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change on food production. Mayan technological innovations, such as sediment flow control and proper water resource management, are a testament to the human ingenuity in the face of adversity.
The future in the face of climate change
The history of the Mayan civilization serves as a warning about the dangers of inaction and lack of preparedness in the face of climate change. As we move into an uncertain future, it is essential to learn from the lessons of the past. Modern societies must create policies and strategies that effectively address climate change, promoting cooperation and sustainability rather than conflict.
Contemporary reality suggests that the effects of climate change are intertwined with social conflicts. Hence the importance of making informed, science-based decisions to ensure a more stable and peaceful environment in the future.
Photographs of Mayan culture
Understanding the history and culture of the Maya, as well as their interaction with the environment, is essential to understanding how our current actions can determine the future of our civilization. We cannot afford to ignore the lessons of the past.