ABSTRACT
Alternative “models” of the agricultural base of the Classic Maya have relied on theoretical considerations, comparative data, environmental possibilities, and combinations thereof, like the assessments which preceded them, but also have increased the amount of direct evidence supporting the arguments. While major research interest in the agricultural base that supported the Classic lowland Maya is a phenomenon, speculation on the issue dates at least to nineteenth century explorers of the area. Swidden cultivation is universally associated with low densities of population, either in absolute terms or relative to those associated with more intensive systems. Knowledge of the specific types of agriculture used by the pre-Hispanic Maya has proliferated. Finally, the swidden “carrying capacity” estimates for the Maya lowlands must be judged against those produced for other areas. The settlement studies indicated “alarmingly” large populations during Classic times and the cultural ecological-agricultural interest questioned how this population was supported.
