Interesting.
But this statement: “We’ve had this western conceit that complex civilizations can’t flourish in the tropics, that the tropics are where civilizations go to die” - tells you what the author’s real intent is: to try to diminish European culture and achievement.
Since the article admits they didn’t have the wheel or “beasts of burden”, it’s really hard to swallow that thought. The reality is that Mayan technology was about 3000 yrs behind Mediterranean and ultimately Northern European cultures. Everyone builds pyramids at some point in their development. All you need is rocks and slaves.
It’s still interesting. But it doesn’t mean we should bow to them and think of them as our equals in development.
I take it your family is not from Guatemala.
That statement actually supports the Euro-centric outlook on history. It is saying that civilization starts and stays in non-tropical regions.
The Maya were not as bloodthirsty as the Aztecs. Certain elements of their civilization were as advanced as Europe: astronomy, building construction and the creation of large cities (they had larger cities than Europe at that time). The lack of the wheel is amazing.
When the conquistadors first saw the cities they were astounded.
Everyone builds pyramids at some point in their development. All you need is rocks and slaves.
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And engineers, mathematicians, astronomers, masons, architects, skilled artists and the list goes on.