INTENSIVE AGRICULTURE, SOCIAL-STATUS, AND MAYA DIET AT PACBITUN, BELIZE

The reconstruction of diet using analysts of stable carbon and nitroge n isotopes of human bone collagen from the recently discovered Maya ci vic-ceremonial site of Pacbitun, Belize, provides some insight into th e relationship between the role of intensive agricultural practice and site abandonment. Maize dependency appears to have changed in degree from the Early Classic (Tzul phase A.D. 250-550) to the Terminal Class ic (Tzib phase A.D. 700-900) periods. Maize consumption reaches its pe ak during the period of greatest wealth and prosperity (A.D. 250-700) but falls toward the end of the sequence when agricultural intensifica tion and maximum population size coincide (A. D. 700-900). The Pacbitu n data are compared to those from Lamanai and Copan to create a pictur e of regional diversity and environmental distinction. Intrapopulation al analysis also indicates that access to maize varied by age, sex, an d social status.