The Hydroarchaeological Method: A Case Study at the Maya Site of Palenque

Contrary to the long-held belief that drought forced the abandonment of the Maya city of Palenque, research employing hydroarchaeological methods reveals that water scarcity was not a primary factor. The study integrates hydrologic modeling with watershed analysis to demonstrate how local water systems, land-use patterns, and ecological conditions interacted with regional climate changes. By applying this multidisciplinary approach, researchers identified periods of community stress, estimated population based on water availability, and clarified settlement dynamics. This noninvasive method also offers practical insights for modern populations, enhancing understanding of water cycles in historical contexts.

French, K. D., Duffy, C. J., & Bhatt, G. (2012). The Hydroarchaeological Method: A Case Study at the Maya Site of Palenque. Latin American Antiquity, 23(1), 29–50. https://doi.org/10.7183/1045-6635.23.1.29