WASHINGTON (AP) — Well before the
ancient Maya built
Temples, their precursors had begun reshaping the terrain of Central America’s Yucatán Peninsula.
Utilizing drones and Google Earth images, researchers uncovered an ancient system of earth-made channels dating back 4,000 years in present-day Belize. These discoveries were
published Friday
in Science Advances.
“The aerial images were essential in recognizing this highly distinct pattern of zigzag linear waterways,” which extend over several miles through the wetlands, according to study co-author Eleanor Harrison-Buck from the University of New Hampshire.
Next, the team carried out excavations at Belize’s Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. These historical water channels, along with reservoirs, were utilized for directing and capturing fresh-water creatures like catfish.
“Spear points with barbs” discovered nearby might have been attached to handles and utilized for fishing, according to study co-author Marieka Brouwer Burg from the University of Vermont.
As far back as 4,000 years ago, semi-nomadic peoples constructed canal systems in the Yucatán coastal region. The research indicates these waterways remained functional for approximately 1,000 years or more, even throughout the “formative” era when Mayan communities transitioned to settled agricultural life and their distinct civilization developed.
“It’s truly fascinating to observe these extensive alterations to the terrain at such an early stage—it indicates that people were already constructing structures,” remarked University of Pittsburgh archaeologist Claire Ebert, who did not participate in the research.
During the peak of the Maya civilization, inhabitants in this area constructed temples, roads, pyramids, and various other structures. Additionally, they created intricate systems for writing, math, and astronomy. According to Ebert, researchers understand much more about this period due to the abundance of important archaeological sites from that time.
However, this recent research uncovers a connection between early inhabitants of the region and the subsequent development of Maya civilization. These ancient fishing networks might have contributed to the construction of later Maya pyramids rising over the Yucatán rainforest.
“This demonstrates consistency,” stated University of Pennsylvania archaeologist Jeremy Sabloff, who was not involved in the research.
Practically speaking, the fish-trapping canals assisted the early inhabitants of the area in expanding their food sources and sustaining a burgeoning populace, thus laying the groundwork for subsequent cultural advancements.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Division is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. However, the AP maintains full responsibility for the entirety of the content.
Christina Larson, from The Associated Press
