Did Red Paint Poison the Maya Civilization?

 

Did Red Paint Poison the Maya Civilization?

The Maya Civilization suddenly disappeared around the 9th century. While drought, wars, and disease are commonly cited causes, recent research suggests that mercury poisoning from red paint may have played a critical role.

The red outline shows the Maya civilization ©Wikimedia Commons


Who Were the Maya?

The Maya civilization thrived in Mesoamerica from around 2000 BCE to the 17th century CE. Known for its advancements in mathematics, architecture, art, astronomy, and calendar systems, it was the first civilization to introduce the concept of zero and created a solar calendar more accurate than the Julian calendar.

Surprisingly, the Maya were highly advanced in certain fields while still relying on stone tools for construction. Their cities—with palaces, pyramid temples, observatories, and ball courts—were built without metal tools. Metalworking appeared around the 10th century, mainly for gold and silver crafts.

Many believe the Maya didn’t invent the wheel, but that’s a misconception. They could make wheels—wheeled toys have even been found—but the terrain made practical use difficult.

The Sudden Collapse

Though the Spanish invasion ultimately ended the Maya civilization, it was already in decline centuries earlier. Around 800 CE, for reasons still debated, people began abandoning the cities, leading to sudden collapse.

What caused it? Scholars have proposed various theories: drought, disease, war, and social unrest. But a recent and compelling theory involves mercury poisoning caused by cinnabar—a red pigment used in Maya buildings.

A Crimson Clue to Collapse

Cinnabar (mercury sulfide) was widely used in Maya culture, especially in religious rituals and red paint. Many buildings were covered in this pigment, giving cities a blood-red hue.

Unfortunately, mercury sulfide is highly toxic. It can enter the body through skin contact or inhalation and cause severe symptoms: neurological damage, memory loss, depression, anxiety, headaches, and visual impairments. One of the most well-known cases is Minamata disease.

Did Red Paint Poison the Maya Civilization?
Tikal reconstruction / Wikimedia

Painting entire cities with cinnabar would have exposed Maya people to long-term mercury contamination. During the rainy season, mercury likely seeped into groundwater; during dry seasons, dried paint turned to dust and entered the lungs.

Scientists are now taking this environmental factor seriously. A study of ten former Maya city sites (1970–2022) found that seven exceeded modern safety thresholds (0.05 ppm). In Tikal, one site recorded a staggering 17.16 ppm. Mercury was also found in the bones and teeth of buried individuals, indicating lifetime exposure. (Source: Kyunghyang Shinmun)

Not Just the Maya

China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (3rd century BCE), is also believed to have died from mercury poisoning. Records mention his erratic behavior later in life. His tomb included mercury-filled rivers, and surrounding soil contained extremely high levels of mercury.

Old mercury thermometers contain liquid mercury, which is toxic if released. @wikimedia

Modern Caution

In Korea, a traditional red pigment called gyeongmyeon jusa (경면주사) also contained mercury. Today, mercury is still used in thermometers, barometers, batteries, catalysts, fluorescent lights, and dental amalgams.

While digital thermometers are now common, if a mercury thermometer breaks, do not use a broom or vacuum. Instead, follow proper mercury spill procedures.


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