The urban hydrology and hydraulic engineering at the classic maya site of Palenque

Abstract

This research explores a new method for the study of urban hydrology and hydraulics at the ancient Maya site of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico. The conceptual hydrologic framework together with modern digital terrain, landcover class and soils are used to create virtual assessments of how various climate and landuse scenarios may have impacted the long-term hydrology and streamflow conditions for the Palenque watershed and urban center. The utility of understanding how landscape alteration and climate affect a watershed’s function and output is a critical component of modern and ancient water management studies. In this study we evaluate the hydraulic design of the water management features at Palenque against extreme meteorological events over 100 year periods during Maya occupation. We pose the question: How successful were the Maya in coping with droughts, floods and water supply that evolve from their own hydraulic designs and urban hydrologic manipulations? The hydroarchaeological method demonstrated here is shown to be a plausible strategy for evaluating the impact of Maya water manipulation strategies on urban development.