A Comparative Approach to Understanding Ancient Agriculture Complexity in the Tropics

Summary

Archaeologists have continuously struggled with understanding the complexity exhibited within relic agricultural practices. In this paper, we will explore a comparative approach to addressing this dilemma using cases studies from the charter states of Southeast Asia (CE 800-1400) and the classic Maya kingdoms of Mesoamerica (CE 250-900). Special emphasis is placed upon the use of intensive practices and their resiliency within the agricultural strategy. Comparing the similarities and differences in ancient agricultural strategies across these tropical societies provides important insights in how archaeologists can interpret these systems. This is especially significant when considering new methods of analysis and differential presence evidence in these areas across the tropics. The comparative approach can offer new ideas into how these complex agricultural systems functioned in the past and contributed to the rise, peak, and eventual decline of these ancient tropical states.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Comparative Approaches to Complexity in the Tropics

Keywords

Spatial Coverage