Water and the Preclassic Maya of El Tintal, Petén, Guatemala (original) (raw)

AI-generated Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between the ancient Maya civilization and their local environment in El Tintal, Guatemala, focusing on the role of water in urban development and settlement patterns. By utilizing advanced lidar technology, the research reveals how the Maya integrated their settlements with swampy bajos and perennial wetlands, challenging previous assumptions about agricultural potential and environmental adaptability in the region. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the cultural and environmental dynamics that shaped Maya civilization.