Part 8/12:
Alongside environmental changes, the increase in violence during this transitional period played a significant role. Archaeological evidence suggests that conflicts between city-states escalated, culminating in violent episodes, including the slaughter of elites. Some scholars have argued this surge in warfare coincided with rising discontent amongst commoners toward their rulers, which has led to theories of revolts against elite authority.
Regional analyses however suggest that the violence and instability primarily affected certain areas without a widespread collapse across all Maya regions. For some cities, warfare did not lead to decline but merely altered political landscapes and alliances.