The Classic Maya Collapse: A Review of Evidence and Interpretations Page: 122
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122
At Piedras Negras a magnificent dais had been deliber-
ately smashed. This destruction might have been the
work of invaders, but, equally well or better, it
could have been an act of vengeance or spite by re-
volting peasants, since the dais was the seat of form-
er rule. The fact that the figures of gods on the
Piedras Negras stelae were not likewise destroyed
indicates that the damage to the throne was inflicted
by revolting peasants who attacked the symbol of their
civil bondage, but respected the images of their gods.51
Here one can see the major problem of interpretation
of evidence: destruction is noted, but the cause of damage
is questionable, and allows, as Thompson concedes, alternative
explanation. Such alternative reconstructions await consider-
ation, but Thompson offers more information on the late Classic
state of affairs. Moving from the central lowlands, Thompson
examined the late Classic situation in northern Yucatan, which
followed a different pattern as cities there were inhabited
centuries longer than those of the Peten, and with the pre-
viously noted foreign influences, ,particularly at Chichen
Itza. A detailed discussion. found in Maya History and Religion
presents a new insight into late Classic history, and will
be summarized briefly below.
Non-Maya influences have been detected throughout Yucatan,
but nowhere to a greater extent than Chichen Itza. After A.D.
918 a definite Mexican influence is, identified, long believed
the result of a Toltec invasion. Thompson believes these
influences are associated with the Chontal Maya, who he suggests
51. Ibid.
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Wood, Jeffrey Clark. The Classic Maya Collapse: A Review of Evidence and Interpretations, thesis, December 1977; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc504349/m1/126/: accessed July 18, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .