Core Summary of the Article:
New LiDAR data reveals the ancient Maya civilization was far more populous, densely populated, and socially organized than previously believed.
Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
Population estimate: Researchers now estimate between 9.5 and 16 million people lived in the Maya lowlands during the Late Classic period (600-900 CE). This is a 45% increase from previous estimates.
Structured Society: The civilization wasn’t a collection of isolated settlements, but a highly structured network of urban and rural areas, consistently organized around elite-controlled plaza groups.
Agricultural Management: Extensive agricultural infrastructure suggests elite control over food production and distribution.
Accessibility: Most structures where within 5km of a civic-ceremonial center, indicating widespread access and challenging previous assumptions about isolated rural life.
LiDAR’s Power: The study highlights the effectiveness of airborne LiDAR technology for archaeological discovery in dense rainforests.
Future Research: The findings raise questions about the civilization’s vulnerability to environmental stress and political collapse, and provide a blueprint for utilizing existing LiDAR data for future archaeological research.
In essence, the article presents a significant shift in understanding the Classic Maya, moving away from a fragmented view to one of a large, interconnected, and sophisticated civilization.
