c. 8th century – c. 10th century★★★★★
Classic Maya collapse
Many Maya cities of the southern lowlands are gradually abandoned, possibly due to drought, warfare and political crisis.
Politics· Guatemala, Mexico
Events this year
c. 800s – c. 820s★★★★★
Construction of Borobudur
The Sailendra dynasty builds Borobudur in Central Java, the largest Buddhist monument in the world.
ReligionArt· Indonesia
December 25, 800★★★★★
Coronation of Charlemagne
Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne Emperor of the Romans in Rome on Christmas Day.
PoliticsReligion· Italy, France, Germany
Ongoing
c. 3rd century – c. 9th century★★★★★
Classic period of Maya civilization
Maya city-states such as Tikal, Palenque and Calakmul reach their height in architecture, writing, astronomy and calendrics.
CultureScience· Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras
c. 3rd century – c. 11th century★★★★★
The Ghana Empire in West Africa
The Soninke Ghana Empire (Wagadu) flourished in what is now Mauritania and Mali, growing rich from control of the trans-Saharan gold and salt trade.
DynastyEconomy· Mauritania, Mali