Many Mayan cities were in decline towards the end of the Classic Period which ended in 950 AD. But Tulum was thriving throughout the Late Post-Classic Period defined as 1,200 until 1539 AD. On May 7, 1518, the Spanish conquistador Juan de Grijalva saw this beach as his fleet of four ships explored the Quintana Roo coast. He declared the city at the top of the 40 foot cliff to be as grand as Seville, Spain. That day marked the beginning of the end. Within 70 years, Zamá was abandoned. Excavations did not start until the early 20th century.
