Join the Water Resources Science and Engineering - CEE Unit for a lecture by Illinois Anthropology faculty Dr. Lisa Lucero on September 20, 2024, at 12 Noon PM in 1017 Civil and Environmental Engineering Building (Hydrosystems).
Abstract: After a brief introduction of the tropical world and the ancestral Maya, I describe their sophisticated reservoir systems in 100’s of cities that served as the foundation for royal power and supplied drinking water during the dry season to dispersed farmers for over 1,000 years. I posit that ancient Maya reservoirs were what are referred to today as constructed wetlands. The major factor, however, in their enduring history was their inclusive, non-anthropocentric worldview that resulted in collaborative relations with the nonhuman world. This kind of engagement is critical at present when devising strategies to address future water needs and to improve water security.