Chan: An Ancient Maya Farming Community (maya Studies)
by Cynthia Robin /
2012 / English / PDF
8.7 MB Download
The farming community of Chan thrived for over twenty
centuries, surpassing the longevity of many larger Maya urban
centers. Between 800 BC and 1200 AD it was a major food
production center, and this collection of essays reveals the
important role played by Maya farmers in the development of
ancient Maya society.
The farming community of Chan thrived for over twenty
centuries, surpassing the longevity of many larger Maya urban
centers. Between 800 BC and 1200 AD it was a major food
production center, and this collection of essays reveals the
important role played by Maya farmers in the development of
ancient Maya society.Chan
Chan offers a synthesis of
compelling and groundbreaking discoveries gathered over ten
years of research at this one archaeological site in Belize.
The contributors develop three central themes, which structure
the book. They examine how sustainable farming practices
maintained the surrounding forest, allowing the community to
exist for two millennia. They trace the origins of elite Maya
state religion to the complex religious belief system developed
in small communities such as Chan. Finally, they describe how
the group-focused political strategies employed by local
leaders differed from the highly hierarchical strategies of the
Classic Maya kings in their large cities.
offers a synthesis of
compelling and groundbreaking discoveries gathered over ten
years of research at this one archaeological site in Belize.
The contributors develop three central themes, which structure
the book. They examine how sustainable farming practices
maintained the surrounding forest, allowing the community to
exist for two millennia. They trace the origins of elite Maya
state religion to the complex religious belief system developed
in small communities such as Chan. Finally, they describe how
the group-focused political strategies employed by local
leaders differed from the highly hierarchical strategies of the
Classic Maya kings in their large cities.
In breadth, methodology, and findings,
this volume scales new heights in the study of Maya society and
culture.
In breadth, methodology, and findings,
this volume scales new heights in the study of Maya society and
culture.