Maize was key in early Andean civilisation, study shows [View all]

[Judi Lynn]

25 February 2013 Last updated at 22:57 ET
Maize was key in early Andean civilisation, study shows
By Mark Kinver
Environment reporter, BBC News

New evidence strengthens the argument that maize played an important role in ancient Peruvian civilisation 5,000 years ago, a study has said.

Samples taken from pollen records, stone tool residues and fossilised faeces suggest the food crop was actively grown, processed and eaten.

The authors say it adds more weight to the argument that Andean society was agricultural, not maritime-based.

"If you look at the origins of civilisations around the world - from Egypt to China and India - they are all based on agriculture," explained co-author Jonathan Haas from The Field Museum, Chicago.

However, he told BBC News that an idea emerged that Andean early civilisation was different, and evolved from exploiting marine resources.

More:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21573875