Paleo Slide Set: Climate and the Classic Maya Civilization
Timeline of the Maya Civilization, from Coe, 1987.

The Maya cultural evolution is divided into three periods: the Preclassic Period 
from 2000 BC to 250 A.D., the Classic Period from 250 A.D. to 900 A.D., and the 
Postclassic Period from 900 A.D. to the time of Spanish Conquest beginning in 1524 A.D.. 
The Maya culture flourished during the Classic Period, especially the late Classic Period 
from about 600 to 800 A.D. Great changes befell the Maya civilization between 800 and 900 A.D., 
which has become known by archaeologists as the Classic Collapse. At this time, all of the large 
Classic sites in the southern area were abandoned, never to be re-occupied to the same extent as 
during the Classic Period. 

Photo Credits:
David A. Hodell 
Department of Geology, University of Florida