Ancient lowland Maya complexity as revealed by airborne laser scanning of northern Guatemala.
Science
; 361(6409)2018 09 28.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-30262469
ABSTRACT
Lowland Maya civilization flourished in the tropical region of the Yucatan peninsula and environs for more than 2500 years (~1000 BCE to 1500 CE). Known for its sophistication in writing, art, architecture, astronomy, and mathematics, Maya civilization still poses questions about the nature of its cities and surrounding populations because of its location in an inaccessible forest. In 2016, an aerial lidar survey across 2144 square kilometers of northern Guatemala mapped natural terrain and archaeological features over several distinct areas. We present results from these data, revealing interconnected urban settlement and landscapes with extensive infrastructural development. Studied through a joint international effort of interdisciplinary teams sharing protocols, this lidar survey compels a reevaluation of Maya demography, agriculture, and political economy and suggests future avenues of field research.
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
País/Região como assunto:
America central
/
Guatemala
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Science
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article