#Japan #Okayama University #Okayama City #Mesoamerica #Environmental Changes

Unraveling Ancient Mesoamerican Civilization: The Connection Between Environmental Changes and Warfare

On June 25, 2025, the Research Institute for Civilization Dynamics (RIDC) of Okayama University is set to host the 46th Monthly Research Seminar, focusing on the intricate relationship between environmental changes and warfare in ancient Mesoamerican civilization. This event is part of the university's ongoing commitment to advancing collaborative and innovative research within the field of humanities and social sciences.

Overview of the Event

The seminar will be conducted online and will run from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM JST. Researchers and individuals interested in history, archaeology, and environmental studies are encouraged to participate. Participants will need a Zoom account to join the session. Those interested should register by June 24, 2025, to receive a participation link.

Seminar Title and Objectives

Titled "Environmental Changes and Warfare in Ancient Mesoamerican Civilization," the seminar will highlight findings based on excavations at the Rio Viejo site in Oaxaca, Mexico. The expert speaker for this seminar will be Akira Ichikawa, an associate professor from the National Museum of Ethnology. The seminar aims to explore how significant environmental shifts, especially drought conditions recorded in Mesoamerica from the 8th to 10th centuries, may have influenced political dynamics and conflicts within these ancient societies.

Historical Context

Historical records reveal that during the 8th to 10th centuries, several regions in Mesoamerica experienced severe droughts, considered detrimental to agricultural productivity. Such environmental adversities often acted as catalysts for war, leading to the decline or collapse of previously thriving cities.
However, recent studies indicate that the effects of drought varied considerably across different regions. This insight brings forth the idea that drought conditions did not unequivocally lead to warfare, suggesting a more complex interplay of factors affecting societal responses to environmental degradation.

The Significance of Research

The excavation at Rio Viejo provides critical data to evaluate how these climatic changes intersected with sociopolitical developments. Professor Ichikawa will discuss the findings, arguing that the relationship between environmental stress and the outbreak of wars is not as straightforward as previously believed. He proposes that while some communities faced total societal collapse, others adapted without resorting to conflict.

Participation and Registration

This engaging seminar is open to anyone interested in ancient civilizations, environmental science, and anthropology. Participation is free of charge, and it promises to be a valuable opportunity for learning from leading experts in the field. Interested participants must register before noon on June 24, 2025, through the following link: Registration Form.

Additional Information

The seminar is part of a series of monthly research events organized by the RIDC aimed at fostering discussions around ongoing research projects and facilitating knowledge exchange among scholars and the community. This initiative aligns with the university's vision of being a regional hub for distinctive academic research.

For further inquiries, participants can contact the RIDC at Okayama University, located in Okayama City. Details can be found on their official website: RIDC Website.

Attendees are encouraged to engage actively during the seminar, creating a collaborative atmosphere where ideas can flourish and spark future research endeavors in the fields of anthropology, history, and environmental studies.