Overview

This book examines one of the thorniest problems of ancient American archaeology: the origins and domestication of maize. Using a variety of scientific techniques, Duccio Bonavia explores the development of maize, its adaptation to varying climates and its fundamental role in ancient American cultures. An appendix (by Alexander Grobman) provides the first-ever comprehensive compilation of maize genetic data, correlating this data with the archaeological evidence presented throughout the book. This book provides a unique interpretation of questions of dating and evolution, supported by extensive data, following the spread of maize from South to North America and eventually to Europe and beyond.

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9781139149433

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Advance Praise: Bonavia has written a masterly account of the domestication and adoption of maize in the New World based on hard science from many disciplines. Although likely controversial to some specialists for his bold thinking, his book is a welcome dose of fresh ideas about the early history of one of the world s most important food crops. Up -to -date, balanced, and based on the latest research, this work is the best summary of the subject by a Latin American scientist in a generation and can be recommended to anyone interested in ancient food production. - Tom D. Dillehay, Vanderbilt University Maize is a major achievement and a capstone of a stunning career. It is an indispensable source for anyone interested in the domestication of grains in prehistory. - Charles Stanish, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA

Maize is a major achievement and a capstone of a stunning career. It is an indispensable source for anyone interested in the domestication of grains in prehistory. Charles Stanish, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA

Author Information

Duccio Bonavia held professorships at Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Universidad Nacional San Cristobal de Huamanga (Ayacucho) and at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Lima), before he retired in 2005. He served as the Assistant Director of the Museo Nacional de Arqueología y Antropología de Lima and has written fourteen books, including Peru: Hombre e Historia, Mural Paintings in Ancient Peru and The South American Camelids.

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