What was maize in ancient Mesoamerica?
Quick Answer
Maize is corn, a domesticated grain that became a staple food in ancient Mesoamerica. It was central to the diets and cultures of civilizations like the Maya and Aztec.
The Full Story
Maize was domesticated from wild grasses in Mexico thousands of years ago and became one of the most important crops in the Americas. Ancient societies in Mesoamerica relied on it for food, trade, ritual, and mythology. It supported the growth of large populations and complex states by providing a dependable staple crop. Maize also spread throughout the Americas long before European contact, becoming foundational to many indigenous cultures.
Key Facts
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"The crop that powered ancient civilizations in the Americas"
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