Maize and ancient Maya droughts

Area of Science:

• Paleoecology
• Archaeobotany
• Climate Science

Background:

• Maize (Zea mays) is a foundational crop in Mesoamerican cultures, influencing ancient Maya landscapes for centuries.
• Understanding the relationship between maize cultivation and climate is crucial for reconstructing past societies.

Observation:

• Pollen records from the Yucatán Peninsula and Peten reveal a correlation between increased maize pollen and periods of reduced precipitation, often associated with El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
• Conversely, moist periods showed low maize pollen presence, indicating a climate-driven agricultural pattern.

Findings:

• A strong association exists between increased maize cultivation, decreased tropical forest cover, and arid conditions.
• The Late Preclassic Humid Period (ca. 500-200 BCE) showed an absence of maize pollen, contrasting with the dry Late Preclassic (300 BCE-250 CE), which was pivotal for maize production.

Implications:

• The findings suggest a significant shift in the conceptualization and use of maize among the ancient Maya.
• Maize evolved from a primary dietary staple to a pragmatic resource for mitigating the impacts of environmental instability and drought.