Agroforestry and Agricultural Production of the Ancient Maya at Chan

Ancient Maya farmers at Chan Chan, through sophisticated agroforestry practices, maintained and thrived within mature tropical forests for over two millennia. Paleoethnobotanical analysis of 1,500 samples from 700 archaeological contexts revealed that these strategies allowed sustainable agricultural production alongside forest preservation. The study highlights the Maya's advanced understanding of ecosystem management, blending crop cultivation with forest conservation techniques that supported both biodiversity and food security.

Robin, C. (2012). Agroforestry and Agricultural Production of the Ancient Maya at Chan. Chan, 89–110. https://doi.org/10.5744/florida/9780813039831.003.0005