ancient maya, cacao, new discoveries

Cacao Not Only for the Gods: New Insights Into Ancient Maya

It was the money that grew on trees. Said to be a gift from the gods, cacao for the ancient Maya was considered sacred and was used not only as a currency but also in special ceremonies and religious rituals. It’s the progenitor plant of chocolate, and notions of luxury are embedded in its lore. ...

Troy Oakes

Ancient maya preparing cacao.

Ancient Maya Built Sophisticated Water Filters

Ancient Maya in the once-bustling city of Tikal built sophisticated water filters using natural materials they imported from miles away, according to the University of Cincinnati. Researchers discovered evidence of a filter system at the Corriental reservoir, an important source of drinking water for the ancient Maya in what is now northern Guatemala. A multidisciplinary ...

Troy Oakes

UC researchers set up equipment to take sediment samples.