New LIDAR scans of the Guatemalan rainforest have identified thousands of agricultural terraces hidden beneath the canopy in the Petén Basin. These structures indicate that the Maya civilization employed highly intensive farming techniques to support a much larger population than previously estimated.
The data shows a sophisticated system of water management canals integrated into the terraces, allowing for year-round cultivation despite seasonal droughts. This breakthrough challenges the traditional view of the Maya as primarily slash-and-burn farmers, showcasing their mastery of sustainable land use.