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Agriculture in Mesoamerica dates to the Archaic period of Mesoamerican chronology (8000–2000 BC). [1] At the beginning of the Archaic period, the Early Hunters of the late Pleistocene era (50,000–10,000 BC) led nomadic lifestyles, relying on hunting and gathering for sustenance.
The Maya diet focused on the Three Sisters. Maize was the central component of the diet of the ancient Maya and figured prominently in Maya mythology and ideology. Archaeological evidence suggests that Chapalote-Nal-Tel was the dominant maize species, though it is likely others were being exploited also. [33]
Journalist John Noble Wilford notes that evidence for marketplace activity demonstrates an advanced economic structure. Archeologist Richard Terry used a method of chemical analysis to compare the soil of the ruins of Chunchucmil, an ancient Maya city, to that of a modern, unpaved market in Antigua, Guatemala, revealing that it was likely once a vibrant market. [5]
The Maya also had an important services sector, through which mathematicians, farming consultants, artisans, architects, astronomers, scribes and artists would work. Some of the richer merchants also sold weapons, gold and other valuables. Specialized craftsmen created luxury items and devices to overcome specific problems, usually by royal decree.
LiDAR survey data reveals ancient Maya buildings (inset, center) clustered on a hilltop, while a satellite image (far left and right) shows modern agriculture and roadbuilding underway in the ...
For the ancient Maya, cocoa was a sacred gift from the gods. [26] The cocoa plant, theobroma, literally translates to "food of the gods". Cacao beans were historically used as ceremonial sacrifices to the Maya gods. Cocoa was enjoyed by all social classes of the ancient Maya people because of its stimulative aphrodisiac powers.
Cobá took its place in Maya culture no earlier than 100 B.C., and enjoyed a continuous life as a city until about 1,200 A.D. Known as the “city of chopped water,” the site may have had up to ...
Maya armies of the Contact period were highly disciplined, and warriors participated in regular training exercises and drills; every able-bodied adult male was available for military service. Maya states did not maintain standing armies; warriors were mustered by local officials who reported back to appointed warleaders.