Unveiling Ancient Tropical Cities in the Jungle

核心概念

The author argues that ancient tropical cities were more resilient and extensive than commonly believed, challenging stereotypes and offering innovative urban planning solutions.

要約

Ancient tropical cities in the jungle have been misunderstood as doomed to fail, but recent research reveals their resilience and innovative approaches to urban living. The Classic Maya and Khmer empire thrived in challenging environments, showcasing sustainable food production methods and dispersed urban landscapes. These ancient cities offer valuable lessons for modern urban planners grappling with rapid population growth in tropical regions.

統計

Major cities like Tikal and Calakmul had populations of up to 120,000 people.
Greater Angkor was the most extensive pre-industrial settlement complex globally.
Population estimates for Marajó Island at its peak have been as large as 100,000.

引用

"The Classic Maya knew the importance of water and fertile agricultural soils." - Prof Lisa Lucero
"Urban archaeologists tend to focus on elite structures rather than the resilient foundations of ancient systems." - Author

抽出されたキーインサイト

The real urban jungle: how ancient societies reimagined what cities could be

by Patrick Robe... 場所 www.theguardian.com 06-22-2021

http://www.theguardian.com/news/2021/jun/22/the-real-urban-jungle-how-ancient-societies-reimagined-what-cities-could-be

深掘り質問

Why do popular assumptions about tropical forests not align with the reality of extensive ancient cities?

Popular assumptions about tropical forests often do not align with the reality of extensive ancient cities due to a historical bias towards viewing these environments as hostile to large, food-producing human populations. Western societies have long held stereotypes that all ancient cities in tropical forests were doomed to fail, with overgrown ruins acting as backdrops for fear and discovery. This misconception has been perpetuated by narratives focusing on the collapse of enigmatic societies like the Classic Maya, emphasizing their struggles with deforestation, natural disasters, and social disintegration.
However, recent archaeological research has revealed a different picture. Studies have shown that many ancient tropical forest societies developed highly successful methods of food production that could sustain impressively large populations and complex social structures. These civilizations implemented innovative agricultural practices such as diverse "forest gardens" and dispersed settlement patterns that allowed them to thrive in challenging environments. The resilience and longevity of these ancient cities challenge the notion that tropical forests are unsuitable for urban development.

What can modern urban planners learn from the dispersed urban landscapes of ancient tropical cities?

Modern urban planners can learn valuable lessons from the dispersed urban landscapes of ancient tropical cities when designing sustainable green cities for today's rapidly growing populations in similar environments. The low-density urban sprawl observed in civilizations like the Classic Maya and Greater Angkor demonstrates an effective way to balance conservation efforts with infrastructure development and population growth.
By dispersing impacts across satellite settlements connected by networks of agriculture, water management systems, and transportation routes through intact forest areas, these ancient societies mitigated environmental degradation while supporting large populations. Modern planners can adopt similar strategies by incorporating green spaces, decentralized infrastructure, mixed land use planning, and sustainable resource management into their city designs.
Additionally, studying how Indigenous communities maintained harmony with their surroundings through diverse cultivation techniques like milpa farming can inspire modern approaches to agriculture that promote biodiversity conservation while meeting food security needs.

How did Indigenous communities sustain large populations in harmony with their environment?

Indigenous communities sustained large populations in harmony with their environment by implementing sophisticated agricultural practices tailored to local ecosystems within tropical forests. These communities practiced diversified cultivation methods such as milpa farming - rotating crops on small plots while allowing fallow periods for soil regeneration - which promoted soil fertility without depleting resources or causing environmental degradation.
Furthermore, Indigenous groups utilized managed forest patches for cultivating wild plants alongside domesticated crops like maize and manioc. They also engaged in fishing activities using freshwater resources efficiently without overexploitation. By integrating hunting practices along with plant-based diets supplemented by protein sources from wildlife rearing (e.g., turkeys), these communities achieved a balanced diet while maintaining ecological equilibrium within their surroundings.
Overall, Indigenous knowledge systems emphasized sustainability principles rooted in respect for nature's cycles and interconnectedness between humans and their environment. Their adaptive strategies offer valuable insights for contemporary sustainability efforts aimed at achieving resilient urban development models compatible with natural ecosystems.