A Water Storage Adaptation in the Maya Lowlands

Prehispanic water management in the Maya Lowlands emphasized collection and storage rather than the canalization and diversion accentuated in highland Mexico. Reexamination of site maps of the ancient Maya city of Tikal, Guatemala, has revealed an important, overlooked factor in Maya centralization...

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Veröffentlicht in:	Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1991-02, Vol.251 (4994), p.658-662
Hauptverfasser:	Scarborough, Vernon L., Gallopin, Gary G.
Format:	Artikel
Sprache:	eng
Schlagworte:	Antiquities Archaeology Canals Causeways Drainage basins Dry seasons History Land settlement patterns, Prehistoric Lowlands Mayan civilization Mayas Potable water Prehistoric land settlement patterns Public works Rain Reservoirs Reservoirs (Water) Social life & customs Urban areas Water Water management Water storage Watersheds
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Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:	Prehispanic water management in the Maya Lowlands emphasized collection and storage rather than the canalization and diversion accentuated in highland Mexico. Reexamination of site maps of the ancient Maya city of Tikal, Guatemala, has revealed an important, overlooked factor in Maya centralization and urban settlement organization. In a geographical zone affected by an extended dry season and away from permanent water sources, large, well-planned reservoirs provided resource control as well as political leverage.
ISSN:	0036-8075 1095-9203
DOI:	10.1126/science.251.4994.658