Maize and ancient maya droughts

The ancient Maya culture of Mesoamerica shaped landscapes for centuries, in an area where maize (Zea mays) cultivation is considered a fundamental crop in the diet of present and ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Pollen records from sites with different environmental and climatic conditions of the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico) and Peten (Guatemala) evidence a clear relationship between increased maize pollen and periods of reduced precipitation caused by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) while moist periods are characterized by low maize pollen presence. ENSO conditions were not evenly distributed across the Yucatán Peninsula, and regional droughts vary according to regional climate and geographical conditions. Our results indicate a strong relationship of increased maize and tropical forest decrease with dry periods, while the Late Preclassic Humid Period (ca. 500–200 BCE) is characterized by the absence of maize pollen. The dry Late Preclassic (300 BCE‑250 CE) was a key period for increased maize production, suggesting a new conceptualization of maize. Maize changed from a basic diet crop to a pragmatic product to face adverse environmental conditions.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Islebe, Gerald A. Doctor autor 2046, Torrescano Valle, Nuria Doctora autora 8666, Valdéz Hernández, Mirna Doctora autora 12329, Carrillo Bastos, Alicia autora 12821, Aragón Moreno, Alejandro Antonio Doctor autor 12817
Format:	Texto biblioteca
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Maíz, Sequía, El Niño oscilación del Sur, Mayas, Palinología, Cambio de uso de la tierra, Artfrosur,
Online Access:	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-26761-3
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