i thought that too. i had a weird deep dive period where i got into Mayan culture, history, and their base 20 math. as well as their art, and incredible inter-cycling calendar.
i came away from it with some changed perspectives. particularly about western history, which i now believe is largely based on false premises. at least in some ways.
but one of the obvious things i missed, that i was embarrassed by was the western question “why did the Mayans disappear?” The Mayans in Southern Mexico and Guatemala laugh at us for that one. They’re like, “ um… hello 👋🏾”
But their empire did degrade. And was overtaken by the Aztec (which in all likelihood lived around Salt Lake in Utah before relocating)
And before the Maya, were the Olmec who are even more mysterious…