A network of 4,000-year-old earthen canals has been discovered in Belize’s Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, providing new insights into early landscape modifications by ancient societies in Central America’s Yucatan Peninsula. The discovery, published in Science Advances on Friday, was made using drones and satellite images from Google Earth. These canals, constructed by semi-nomadic people during the formative era of the Maya civilization, were used for over 1,000 years to trap freshwater fish such as catfish. This period marked the establishment of permanent farming villages and the development of a distinctive cultural identity. Aerial imagery played a crucial role in identifying the canals’ zigzag patterns that extended for miles through wetlands, indicating advanced environmental manipulation by early inhabitants.

Further excavations confirmed that the canals were designed not only for trapping fish but also for supporting resource management and survival strategies. Artifacts like barbed spear points found near the canals suggested spearfishing was a prevalent practice, with tools likely attached to sticks for efficient hunting. This canal system diversified diets and supported population growth, laying a foundation for future cultural advancements. Experts noted that such large-scale environmental modifications reflected sophisticated societal organization. The discovery underscores a continuous link between early societies and the later development of the Maya civilization, offering invaluable insights into the region’s historical evolution and the early inhabitants’ ability to manipulate their environment effectively.