Rain Harvesting in the Rainforest: The Ancient Maya Agricultural Landscape of Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico (BAR International Series)

SUMMARY Rain Harvesting in the Rainforest: The Ancient Maya Agricultural Landscape of Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico The main subject discussed in this study is the way in which the ancient Maya of Calakmul, who thrived between 900 B.C. to A.D. 1000, managed their landscape in order to survive in the tropical rainforest. Their lithic technology, the hot, humid climate with a prolonged dry season, the lack of permanent surface sources of fresh water, and thin soils, considered insufficient for sustained agricultural production, are factors that were addressed successfully by the Maya in developing their complex civilization. Landscape, archaeological, and edaphological analyses are performed, aAer which the study explores the areas most advantageous to permanent habitation, suitable agricultural zones, land potential of the region and the capability of the area for supporting population. In addition, a complex agricultural channel irrigation system is developed as a critical factor for managing productive terrain for agriculture in karstic depressions (bajos). Similarly, an impressive rain harvesting system is exposed as an option to optimize hydrological resources for canalizing excessive rain during the wet season and storing water during the dry period. Finally, a reconstruction of the agricultural landscape is proposed. The main subject discussed in this study is the way in which the ancient Maya of Calakmul (modern Mexico), who thrived between 900 B.C. to A.D. 1000, managed their landscape in order to survive in the tropical rainforest. Their lithic technology, the hot, humid climate with a prolonged dry season, the lack of permanent surface sources of fresh water, and thin soils, considered insufficient for sustained agricultural production, are factors that were addressed successfully by the Maya in developing their complex civilization. The author's research begins with landscape, archaeological, and edaphological analyses, after which she explores the areas most advantageous to permanent habitation, suitable agricultural zones, land potential of the region and the capability of the area for supporting population. In addition, a complex agricultural channel irrigation system is explored as a critical factor for managing productive terrain for agriculture in karstic depressions (bajos). Similarly, an impressive rain harvesting system is exposed as an option to optimize hydrological resources for canalizing excessive rain during the wet season and storing water during the dry period. Finally, a reconstruction of the agricultural landscape is proposed. Front Cover Title Page Copyright Table of Contents LIST OF FIGURES LIST OF TABLES SUMMARY RESUMEN ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CHAPTER 1. QUESTIONS, OBJECTIVES, CONTRIBUTIONS AND FRAMEWORK CHAPTER 2. THE MAYA KINGDOM OF CALAKMUL CHAPTER 3. THE PHYSICAL SETTING OF CALAKMUL CHAPTER 4. THE VEGETATION OF CALAKMUL CHAPTER 5. SOILS AND LAND EVALUATION OF CALAKMUL CHAPTER 6. THE ANCIENT AGRICULTURAL LANDSCAPE OF CALAKMUL APPENDIX 1. - PROCEDURES FOR PREPARING AND ANALYZING SOILS APPENDIX 2. FORMS FOR ENVIRONMENT AND SOIL PROFILE DESCRIPTION APPENDIX 3. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL ANALYSES OF CALAKMUL SOILS APPENDIX 4. CERAMICS AND LITHICS OF EDAPHOLOGICAL PITS OF CALAKMUL REFERENCES Helga Geovannini Acuña. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 125-141). In English With A Summary Also On Spanish.