Ancient Maize Map

Information

ID: 521
Other ID: DIC-2170
Type: MacroSample
Subtype: stalk
Site: San Antonio
Depositional context: pit
Condition: charred
Pottery type: not applicable
Vessel form: not applicable

Carbonized maize stem/stalk fragments where recovered from Unit VIII and XI in Pits 2J and 2X and maize charcoal was directly dated by Bloom et al. (1983:418) from Unit XI, Pit 2J. According to Bloom et al. (1983:418) this evidence demonstrates that the Maya were active cultivators on this floodplain by the Middle Pre-Classic period. Bloom et al. (1983:418) state that when considering the carbon isotope fractionation of the maize, this date could be pushed back 200 yrs.

Radiocarbon Date

Lab number: DIC-2170
Dating method: conventional
Directly dated: Yes
Dated material: charred maize
Contaminated?: No
Lower cal BP (years): 3255
Median cal BP (years): 2722
Upper cal BP (years): 2211
Uncal BP (years): 2626
± 1 σ (years): 190
δ13C:

Attached Files

References Cited

Bloom, P. R., M. Pohl, C. Buttleman, F. Wiseman, A. Covich, C. Miksicek, J. Ball and J. Stein
1983 Prehistoric Maya Wetland Agriculture and the Alluvial Soils near San Antonio Rio Hondo, Belize. Nature 301(3):417-419.

Comments

No comments yet