[Aztlan] Earliest evidence of domesticated maize

[michael ruggeri]

Listeros,

Researchers have found the earliest evidence ever of domesticated  
maize in the Mexican Central Balsas River Valley. The evidence points  
to an 8,700 year old origin for domesticated maize. Anthony Ranere of  
Temple University and Dolores Piperno of the Smithsonian will publish  
their findings in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science.  
Pollen and charcoal found in lake sediments in the area showed forests  
were being cut down and burned to create agricultural plots 7,000  
years ago. Then the researchers studied caves where people lived  
earlier in the area. Tools for grinding corn were found that have been  
radiocarbon dated to 8,700 years ago. Maize starch was found in the  
crevices of almost all of the tools unearthed. The previous earliest  
date posited for domesticated maize was 1,100 years later.

Newswise has the story here;
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/550327/#imagetop

Mike Ruggeri

Mike Ruggeri's The Ancient Americas Breaking News
http://web.mac.com/michaelruggeri