![]() ![]() ![]() Connected to the cisterns was a system that harvested and transported rainwater, and the design varied between different cities. These cisterns, knowns as chultuns, were bottle-shaped underground water storage chambers that were lined with lime plaster to prevent water from seeping out. Where natural caves were unavailable, the Maya turned to man-made cisterns. Caves were holy to the Maya as they were thought to be entrances to the underworld, and water-filled caves were also an important source of water. The fact that the Maya managed to build a thriving civilization in this environment for 2000 years is testament to their skills as engineers. Thus, in order to survive the Maya had to develop their own water management strategies. Where there were no easily accessible underground water sources, the lack of surface water coupled with a six-month dry season and frequent droughts made agriculture very difficult. This cenote at Chichen Itza is a natural formation that the Maya used as a source of water. The Maya took advantage of these cenotes as water sources wherever possible. If the limestone on the surface breaks, the water-filled cave is exposed and forms what is called a cenote. Rainwater passes easily through the soil and the limestone, and because of this there is nearly a complete lack of surface water on the peninsula.Īs the rainwater passes through the limestone, some of it comes to rest in underground caves. Geologically speaking Yucatan consists of porous limestone with a thin layer of soil on top. Yucatan Peninsula, the home of the ancient Maya, is an area that contains parts of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. The Maya are known for their monumental construction such as the pyramids of El Mirador, but the Maya were also great water management engineers. There are dozens of theories that try to explain why the Maya civilization collapsed, but drought amplified by deforestation is one of the most likely causes. Moreover, while the Maya had mastered water management, they were mismanaging another part of the environment, namely forests. This allowed the Maya to survive the dry season, but the success of the system and the resulting growth in population also made the Maya vulnerable to drought. ![]() The Maya water management system relied mainly on harvesting and storing rainwater. But among their greatest achievements was also their water management system that made it possible for the civilization to thrive on the Yucatan Peninsula with its lack of surface water and six-month dry season. The Maya are especially known for their monumental architecture, writing system, calendar, astronomy and mathematics. The ancient Maya are probably the most well-known of the Pre-Columbian civilizations of Central America. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |