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WATER AND THE MOUNTAINS: MAYA WATER MANGEMENT AT CARACOL, BELIZE

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Date Issued:
2009
Abstract/Description:
Water management techniques in the Southern Maya Lowlands are both regionally diverse and site specific. This thesis examines the water management strategies of the Classic Period Maya at the site of Caracol, Belize. While it is likely that elites at Caracol controlled the redistribution of resources, i.e. craft and agricultural products, it is probable that the production of agricultural resources and the maintenance of water resource acquisition took place on a more local level. In order to test this hypothesis, a sample of five reservoirs were examined through original research – and situated in conjunction with past settlement studies - to determine the water storage capacity and likely function of different water management features throughout the built environment of Caracol. As a result, this thesis argues that the placement and construction of water management features - i.e., reservoirs - at the site of Caracol, Belize are indicative of specific landscape patterns which are expressed by a distinct vernacular construction style and are also a reflection of the socio-political organization present within the site during the Late Classic Period.
Title: WATER AND THE MOUNTAINS: MAYA WATER MANGEMENT AT CARACOL, BELIZE.
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Name(s): Crandall, James, Author
Chase, Arlen, Committee Chair
University of Central Florida, Degree Grantor
Type of Resource: text
Date Issued: 2009
Publisher: University of Central Florida
Language(s): English
Abstract/Description: Water management techniques in the Southern Maya Lowlands are both regionally diverse and site specific. This thesis examines the water management strategies of the Classic Period Maya at the site of Caracol, Belize. While it is likely that elites at Caracol controlled the redistribution of resources, i.e. craft and agricultural products, it is probable that the production of agricultural resources and the maintenance of water resource acquisition took place on a more local level. In order to test this hypothesis, a sample of five reservoirs were examined through original research – and situated in conjunction with past settlement studies - to determine the water storage capacity and likely function of different water management features throughout the built environment of Caracol. As a result, this thesis argues that the placement and construction of water management features - i.e., reservoirs - at the site of Caracol, Belize are indicative of specific landscape patterns which are expressed by a distinct vernacular construction style and are also a reflection of the socio-political organization present within the site during the Late Classic Period.
Identifier: CFE0002652 (IID), ucf:48246 (fedora)
Note(s): 2009-05-01
M.A.
Sciences, Department of Anthropology
Masters
This record was generated from author submitted information.
Subject(s): Water Management
Maya
Caracol
Belize
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002652
Restrictions on Access: public
Host Institution: UCF

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