Tikal : Paleoecology of an Ancient Maya city
Contributor(s): lentz, David L | Dunning, Nicholas P | Scarborough, Vernon L.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press 2019Description: 371. pp.ISBN: 9781108796781.Subject(s): Paleoecology | Guatemala--Tikal Site | Wetland AgricultureDDC classification: 560.450972812 Summary: The primary theoretical question addressed in this book focuses on the lingering concern of how the ancient Maya in the northern Petén Basin were able to sustain large populations in the midst of a tropical forest environment during the Late Classic period. This book asks how agricultural intensification was achieved and how essential resources, such as water and forest products, were managed in both upland areas and seasonal wetlands, or bajos. All of these activities were essential components of an initially sustainable land use strategy that eventually failed to meet the demands of an escalating population. This spiraling disconnect with sound ecological principles undoubtedly contributed to the Maya collapse. The book's findings provide insights that broaden the understanding of the rise of social complexity - the expansion of the political economy, specifically - and, in general terms, the trajectory of cultural evolution of the ancient Maya civilization. Addresses key questions about Maya sustainability and agriculture in the Late Classic period QR codes throughout provide links to external resources Research includes a video showing a 3-D representation of the development of Tikal from a small village during the Pre-Classic period to a city during the Late Classic period| Item type | Current location | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Books
|
NASSDOC Library | 560.450972812 TIK- (Browse shelf) | Available | 51479 |
The primary theoretical question addressed in this book focuses on the lingering concern of how the ancient Maya in the northern Petén Basin were able to sustain large populations in the midst of a tropical forest environment during the Late Classic period. This book asks how agricultural intensification was achieved and how essential resources, such as water and forest products, were managed in both upland areas and seasonal wetlands, or bajos. All of these activities were essential components of an initially sustainable land use strategy that eventually failed to meet the demands of an escalating population. This spiraling disconnect with sound ecological principles undoubtedly contributed to the Maya collapse. The book's findings provide insights that broaden the understanding of the rise of social complexity - the expansion of the political economy, specifically - and, in general terms, the trajectory of cultural evolution of the ancient Maya civilization. Addresses key questions about Maya sustainability and agriculture in the Late Classic period QR codes throughout provide links to external resources Research includes a video showing a 3-D representation of the development of Tikal from a small village during the Pre-Classic period to a city during the Late Classic period
There are no comments for this item.