Authors
Vernon L Scarborough, Gary G Gallopin
Publication date
1991/2/8
Journal
Science
Volume
251
Issue
4994
Pages
658-662
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Description
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.
Total citations
Scholar articles
VL Scarborough, GG Gallopin - Science, 1991