Maize Cultivation

Timeline

1. c. 1–150Central Mexican valleys · MexicoMaize became the absolute staple in farmland around cities such as Teotihuacan, supporting urban population growth together with turkey, dog, and beans; archaeological remains show the coexistence of multiple maize varieties.
2. c. 200–400Maya lowlands · BelizeMaya farmers developed the milpa rotation pattern of interplanting maize, beans, and squash, combined with forest fallow (roza-tumba-quema) to maintain tropical lowland soil fertility, supporting the populations of city-states such as Tikal.
3. c. 300–500Mesoamerican highlands · GuatemalaTerraces, reservoirs, and water channels were widely built in the Maya highlands, converting steep slopes and seasonally arid areas into high-yield maize fields; agricultural surplus became a source of tribute for the political elites of city-states.