The traces of ancient corn farms could reveal how many people lived in a legendary Maya city, a new study suggests.
The pyramid-filled Maya site of Tikal in Guatemala is one of the largest archaeological complexes in Central America. The vast city-state had a long run, flourishing from roughly 600 B.C. until A.D. 900 when the Maya civilization mysteriously collapsed. A group of scientists recently revisited the site, not to hunt for lost treasures or artifacts, but to look for clues in the soil chemistry that might reveal the population of Tikal in its prime.
"Dirt analysis may not be as sexy as digging up a jade mask from a former Maya king, but now we can answer more questions about the regular people that made up this ancient civilization," study researcher Chris Balzotti, a graduate student at Brigham Young University (BYU), said in a statement. [See Images of the Expedition to Tikal]
Estimates vary, but there were thought to be between 30,000 and 60,000, or possibly up to 100,000 people living in Tikal at its height. Feeding that many people would have required a robust system of agriculture.
BYU soil scientists work at the ancient Maya location near Tikal, Guatemala.
To investigate where the Maya did their heaviest farming around Tikal, Balzotti and fellow researchers looked for signatures of corn in the carbon isotopes (carbon atoms with different molecular weights) of 185 soil cores. Then, they used satellite imagery to map the areas that produced the most crops for the Maya.
Many archeologists have assumed the Maya primarily grew corn, or maize, on the hillsides around Tikal, much like the region's modern inhabitants do. But the BYU-led team found little maize residue in the fertile upland soils. Instead, the farming hotspots seemed to reside in the deep soil zones near the wetlands, called bajos.
"Our soil analysis is finding that Mayas did not grow maize heavily on the hillsides, but rather along the borders of the low-lying wetlands called bajos," BYU soil scientist Richard Terry said in a statement. "Knowing where they grew corn gives us a clearer picture about their civilization unknown until now."
That information could help archaeologists make better estimates for how many people Tikal could have supported, the researchers say.
The findings also shed light on how the Maya managed their rain forests. Scientists have disagreed about whether the Maya cleared the forests for agriculture or grew crops beneath the canopy. The BYU team found evidence that the ancient people practiced a mixture of both.
The research is detailed in the International Journal of Remote Sensing.
Three male figures, seated and painted in black. The men, wearing only white loincloths and medallions around their necks and a head dress bearing another medallion and a single feather, were uncovered on the ruined house's west wall. The painting recreates the design and colors of the original Maya mural. Excavation and preservation of the site were supported by the National Geographic Society. Painting by Heather Hurst
A Maya king, seated and wearing an elaborate head dress of blue feathers, adorns the north wall of the ruined house discovered at the Maya site of Xultún. An attendant, at right, leans out from behind the king's head dress. The painting by artist Heather Hurst recreates the design and colors of the original Maya artwork at the site. The excavation and preservation of the site were supported by the National Geographic Society. Painting by Heather Hurst
A vibrant orange figure, kneeling in front of the king on the ruined house's north wall, is labeled "Younger Brother Obsidian," a curious title seldom seen in Maya text. The man is holding a writing instrument, which may indicate he was a scribe. The painting recreates the design and colors of the figure in the original Maya mural. Excavation and preservation of the site were supported by the National Geographic Society. Painting by Heather Hurst
There haven't been many punters drafted in the fourth round or higher like Tory Taylor just was. Chicago's No. 1 overall pick welcomed him in unique fashion.
The NFL will allow players to wear protective Guardian Caps during games beginning with the 2024 season. The caps were previously mandated for practices.
Budgeting apps can help you keep track of your finances, stick to a spending plan and reach your money goals. These are the best budget-tracking apps available right now.
