What is the terminal classic period?

The Terminal Classic period, occurring roughly between 800 and 1000 CE, marks a significant transition in Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly among the Maya. During this time, many prominent city-states experienced decline, leading to reduced population and increased abandonment of urban centers. Factors contributing to this decline may have included environmental stress, warfare, and social upheaval. Despite these challenges, the period also saw cultural continuity and transformation, setting the stage for subsequent developments in the region.