Altun Ha - Diet at Altun Ha

Diet At Altun Ha

The Diet at Altun Ha is a maize based (C-4) diet, but there is also a large marine component to their diet compared to other sites in the Maya area. The marine/reef resources are more important here than in other regions. Between the Preclassic and Early Classic, there was a dramatic increase of maize consumption, which the researchers argue is an indication of a rise in intensive maize agriculture at the beginning of the Early Classic. The individuals with the highest recognized status during this time period also have the highest intake of maize. In the Late Classic, more maize was consumed in the central precinct than in the outer zones, and Zone C had a higher degree of reef resources than in other areas. In the Postclassic, a higher portion of terrestrial animals were consumed, possibly deer or dogs.