3D image of the site of Aguada Fénix. Credit: Takeshi Inomata
Posted on 06/04/2020 8:51:07 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
In Mexico, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) equipment uncovered what researchers say is the largest and oldest known Maya monument, while in neighbouring Belize, isotopic analysis of human remains provided the earliest timeline for the adoption of maize as a staple crop.
The discovery at Tabasco near the border with Guatemala suggests the Maya civilisation developed more rapidly than previously thought and hints at less social inequality than in later periods, according to the international research team led by Takeshi Inomata and Daniela Triadan from the University of Arizona US.
Known as Aguada Fénix, the monument lurked beneath the surface for centuries, despite measuring 1400 metres by 400 and standing 15 metres high in places. It was discovered when laser beams penetrated the tree canopy, and their reflections off the ground revealed the three-dimensional forms of archaeological features.
"This area is developed. It's not the jungle - people live there," says Inomata. "But this site was not known because it is so flat and huge. It just looks like a natural landscape."
...The results of the second study, published in the journal Science Advances, indicate that maize began to take on an increasingly important dietary role for humans in Mesoamerica roughly 4700 years ago, and within 700 years had become a true staple crop, accounting for as much as 70% of total diet...
The researchers found that individuals older than 4700 years showed no clear evidence of maize consumption, while some dating between 4700 and 4000 years ate a diet consisting of as much as 30% maize. The youngest samples, dating to less than 4000 years, showed evidence for as much as 70% maize consumption.
(Excerpt) Read more at cosmosmagazine.com ...
3D image of the site of Aguada Fénix. Credit: Takeshi Inomata
Thanks Grimmy.
“Individuals older than 4700 years”
No wonder Social Security is going broke.
Around the time of Saul, David, Solomon and Rehoboam in Israel and Judah in the Middle East ......................
Aw, man? Ya never take me anywhere!
(Looks like a football field....)
;o]
‘Face
Note the size of the above LIDAR instrument; no expensive air equipment, no risk of human life over perilous terrain. No fuel limitations.
Amazing what LIDAR is finding for archeologists to dig up.
It was first identified using radio. Apparently it continuously broadcasts “I’m your Fenix, I’m Aguada”.
[long pause]
/rimshot
*face palm*
LMBO!!!
I'd of guessed you've seen this before..........
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