The Cultural and Natural Legacy in the Cradle of Maya Civilization: New Perspectives
The Cultural and Natural Legacy in the Cradle of Maya Civilization: New Perspectives from the Mirador-Calakmul Karst Basin System
By Richard D. Hansen
The Mirador Basin, located in northern Guatemala and southern Mexico, is a unique geographical area and contains some of the earliest and largest Maya cities, dating back to the Pre-Classic period (1600 BC to 150 AD). This region is crucial for understanding the origins of Maya civilization. The basin houses some of the largest ancient cities in the Western Hemisphere, including the earliest Maya cities and the tallest pyramids in the Americas. It features the world's first "superhighway" system and possibly one of the first political states in the Americas. The area is the last tract of intact tropical forest in Central America, home to diverse flora and fauna, including newly discovered species. It has a high concentration of jaguars and serves as a major flyway for migratory birds. Archaeologically, the basin contains a wealth of Pre-Classic Maya artifacts, including figurines and ceramics dating back to 1000 BC. Evidence suggests interaction between the Maya and Olmec cultures during this early period. Early Maya society in this region showed signs of social stratification and royal symbols by 800-900 BC. The Mirador Basin is thus a cradle of Maya civilization, offering unique insights into the development of complex societies in Mesoamerica while also being an area of exceptional biodiversity and ecological importance.
