Ancient Maya warfare flared up surprisingly early

Extreme conflicts broke out well before the civilization’s decline, researchers say

WAR BURNS  A fragment of an inscribed stone monument found at the Maya site of Witzna contains a dark, burned patch near its right edge. A 697 attack on Witzna left the monument broken and scorched, scientists say.

Francisco Estrada-Belli

In 697, flames engulfed the Maya city of Witzna.