That ship has sailed - changes in trade networks

More and more evidence is cropping up which supports the theory of changes in trade networks as a cause of collapse. Golitko et al, (2012) analysed abundances of obsidian (volcanic rock often used for tools or weapons) from 121 Mayan sites to demonstrate changes in social networks.

An example of a Mayan obsidian sacrificial knife. Source: Galleryhip

Their findings show that a shift in trade networks occurred around the time of Mayan collapse with a switch from terrestrial to sea-borne trade. This meant that proximity to the coast became vitally important in maintaining economic and political influence. As the importance of coastal trade and coastal networks increased, inland trade networks were no longer needed and collapsed (although I would have thought some networks would still have been useful). As a result the city of San Jose, which was once the main point of obsidian exchange, became much less significant.

Illustrations of the difference in obsidian supply sources between Classic and Terminal Classic periods, from Golitko et al (2012)

The trade of marine goods also became much more important and Golitko et al suggest that the Mayans may have ‘missed the boat’ on exploiting marine products due to their main settlement being in the central Yucatan Peninsula. This reduced access and connection to coastal imported goods resulted in diminished influence and power of the Mayans. Reduced economic stability may have led to increased social tension (and possibly conflict) and undermined the authority of the Maya elite.

I think that this theory could in part provide an explanation for the Mayan collapse. Of course no single factor would have brought a civilization such as the Maya down. However it is easy to see how changes in trade networks of a highly valuable commodity, which Golitko et al argue the Mayans were reliant on, reduced political and economic influence and pressures from other factors (e.g. invasion, disease, climate change) could have led to collapse.

Next time I'll be talking about the role of climate change!