A remarkable discovery in Belize has shed light on a 4,000-year-old network of fishing canals, revealing a sophisticated system used by ancient hunter-gatherer communities. Spanning 42 square kilometers (16 square miles) in the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (CTWS), this intricate fishery is the largest inland wetland in Belize and a major archaeological find.
The canals and ponds, detailed in the journal Science Advances, demonstrate how early humans harnessed advanced engineering techniques to sustainably manage their environment. These waterways were designed to direct seasonal floodwaters into ponds, trapping fish in a way that could provide food for up to 15,000 people year-round.
“This system highlights how Late Archaic communities adapted to their environment, creating a sustainable fishery long before agriculture became the dominant way of life,” explained Dr. Harrison-Buck, director of the Belize River East Archaeology (BREA) project.
Challenging Civilizational Narratives
The canals date back to approximately 2200 to 2000 BCE, predating the Maya civilization, traditionally credited with large-scale constructions in the region. These findings challenge the notion that agriculture alone drove early civilization in Mesoamerica, emphasizing the role of aquatic resource management.
“For Mesoamerica, agriculture is often seen as the engine of civilization,” said Harrison-Buck. “This discovery shows that large-scale fish harvesting also played a critical role.”
Adapting to Climate Disturbances
The research suggests that this canal network may have been a response to climate disturbances recorded between 2200 and 1900 BCE. Using 26 radiocarbon dates from excavation sites in the CTWS, scientists identified the canals as a long-term adaptation to environmental changes.
Unexpected Origins
Initially, researchers believed the canals were constructed by the Maya, but radiocarbon dating revealed that Late Archaic hunter-gatherers were the original architects. “The early dates surprised us because we assumed these massive constructions were tied to the nearby Maya city centers,” said Harrison-Buck. “But repeated dating confirmed their much earlier origins.”
This discovery not only highlights the ingenuity of ancient communities in adapting to their environment but also opens a new chapter in understanding the relationship between early humans and sustainable resource management.
