Maya paleodemographics: what do we know?

We present a review of what is known about the population dynamics from Classic and Post-Classic Maya settlements in coastal areas of the Yucatan Peninsula such as Jaina, Chac Mool, El Meco and Xcambó and two other urban centers, Palenque and Copan.

This contribution discusses the available data on mortality, survival, life expectancy, fertility and migration, obtained by paleodemographic methodology. Data for Xcambó and El Meco were obtained from Tiesler Bloss et al., (2005) and Ortega (2007); information from other sites was obtained from previous work conducted by the authors.

This review proposes that the demographic dynamics of the Classical period are typical of densely populated and developing areas with overall average birth rates of six children per woman and a life expectancy at birth of between 20 and 42.2 years, which is equivalent to birth rates above 40 per thousand inhabitants. Post-Classic settlements show evidence of great population mobility with unfavorable changes in living conditions that lead us to think of fertility decrease and low life expectancies at birth.

There are indications of a demographic change between the Late-Terminal Classic and Post-Classic periods. Life expectancies are lower than 30 years, a high infant mortality and low adult survival after 50 years is shown. The Post-Classic period is characterized by population rearrangements and mobility. Results obtained for both Chac Mool series showed deterioration in health and reduced life expectancy and fertility levels from one period to another. El Meco and Xcambó series showed differences with Chac Mool's due to higher growth rates.