Fall of the Mayans Notes
• Warfare
Mayan warfare change from ritualized warfare to wars for conquest. They frequently
attacked cities and the attacks became very violent. Now attacks slaughtered
innocent civilians.
• Problems with the government or leadership
A few of the Mayan kings were capture and killed. When this occurred the Mayan
civilians began to lose faith that their kings were actually gods. Therefore, the people
stop following their leadership and problems of leadership ensued.
Over-population
The Mayans began building houses on their fertile farmland. Inadvertently, the
Mayans destroyed their primary food source. As a result, famine and disease spread
throughout their territory. Also, they started experiencing problems with erosion.
Decline of Athens Notes
• Lack of Leadership
Pericles died from the Plague. After his death Athenian leaders
swayed to the opinion of the masses. The leaders did not have a
vision or any goals for the future of Athens . Athenian leaders fought
for the favor of the Athenian population. The leaders did or said
anything to gain more power in the assembly. Athens executed its
generals over military decisions made during a naval battle.
• Plague
The battle plan of Pericles brought all of the citizens behind the walls of Athens.
The plague entered the city on the grain ships, which supplied food to the city.
1/3 of the population died as a result of the Plague. Pericles, the exceptional
leader of Athens, died in the plague.
Decline of Athens Notes
• Warfare
Athens declared war on its old rival Sparta. Athens was the aggressor in the war. Plague ravaged
Athens, as a result of the battle plan and the war. Athens grew weary of the war and look to a
decisive victory in Sicily to quickly end the war. During the Sicilian campaign generals quarreled
amongst themselves, and the campaign resulted in the lost of the entire army and fleet. Finally,
Sparta made an alliance with Persia and conquered Athens. Sparta forced Athens to tear down
its walls and surrender its remaining fleet.
• Moral Decline
Athens demonstrated many fatal flaws in the Peloponnesian War. First,
Athens exhibited greed, pride, and arrogance in declaring a war of aggression
on Sparta. Next, many of the leaders of Athens lacked the character and
vision to lead Athens during the war. Furthermore, generals displayed selfish
behavior during their squabbles over strategy during the Sicilian campaign.
During the war, the people of Athens reverted back to "Mob Rule". The
citizens let their passions and prejudices distort their decisions