Study on Maya Civilization
The reason for the collapse of Maya Civilization is till date debated. Some researches believe that draught was the cause of collapse. Some others are against this belief. Recently, a study revealed that the even during extreme draught conditions Maya Civilization had 500 edible species of plants.
What does the study say?
The plant physiologist Louis Santiago and Archaeologist Scott Fedick recently published a research analysis on Maya Civilization. According to their research, the residents of Maya Civilization had more than 500 edible plants. Many of these plants were drought resistant. Of these, 59 species are available even today.
What are the drought resistant species used by the Mayans?
According to the researchers, the drought resistant species that exist even today are cassava, Chaya and palm. Chaya is a shrub and is even consumed by the descendants even today. It is rich in potassium, iron and Calcium.
Current Scenario
The researchers are still not able to find the cause of collapse of Maya civilization. Majority of them including these scientists believe that drought was not the cause of collapse.
Maya Civilization
It is a Meso American Civilization. It existed in the 9th Century BC in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico. The Mayans began their journey as nomadic farmers. They then transitioned to a settled life practicing agriculture.
Maya Today
Today Mayas are found in southern Meso America. Their population is around 8 million. Their language is Mayan. It is taught in schools and colleges even today. Their culture gains attraction mainly for their traditional medicines. Their medicines and treatments have cure for cancer, diabetes and AIDS.
Maya Civilization followed Milpa System
It is a traditional intercropping system followed by the Mayans. Milpa system includes intercropping, slash and burn, rotational cropping. It follows two years of cultivation and eight years of fallow. This helped in natural regeneration of the soil.
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Month: Current Affairs - January, 2022
Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs