Abstract

The water management approach at the ancient Maya city, Minanha in Belize Central America, was examined through excavation and geomorphological analysis. The results have successfully demonstrated that this natural feature, the Mayo aguada, was altered and used by ancient inhabitants in the region. Analysis of twelve sediment samples collected from the aguada revealed two distinct groupings of sediments indicating the onset of terrace construction and active water resource management. Two very different terraces were excavated, demonstrating the tendency of the ancient Maya to modify natural water management features, only when necessary to improve their effectiveness. Finally, it was determined that the Mayo aguada was not capable of providing a year round water source naturally, but required regular maintenance to improve and maintain its water retaining capacity. Comparisons were drawn between the water management approach exercised at this ancient city, and that of its large and influential neighbor, Caracol.
Emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach, this research was undertaken with the assistance and supervision of a geologist, an archaeologist, a geographer, and an anthropologist. Dominant themes relating to ancient water management practices were explored from the perspective of the appropriate field of study. Interpretation of the results was thereby informed by several of the disciplines that have influenced archaeological theory and methodology. The limitations of the archaeological data set were examined, exploring the distance between data and interpretation. The data and interpretations have been presented with the goal of providing sufficient information regarding the subject matter and each discipline, such that a variety of readers can understand and apply the content herein to their own research endeavors.