Classic Maya cities often show a dispersed settlement pattern, in which groups of buildings surrounding a courtyard are loosely scattered around one or several monumental cores, with vast stretches of seemingly open space in-between. This low-density urbanism is known from other tropical regions as well, and has been explained as evidence of intensive agriculture, horticulture and other forms of resource use within the settlements.

At the preclassic to epiclassic (4 ^th to 11 ^th century AD) Maya site of Dzehkabtún, Campeche, Mexico, we test this hypothesis by sampling and identifying different types of soils and sediments, analyzing their evolution involving natural and cultural processes, and mapping their spatial distribution across the site. The architectural remains at the site are currently being mapped and partially excavated by our project partners. This will allow spatial patterns of natural resources and urban structures to be compared in order to better understand their relation. A first field season in 2014 showed that the composition of soils and sediments varies greatly within the settlement, and that erosion and sedimentation during and after the site’s occupation have affected its topography. A geophysical survey is expected to reveal hidden architectural remains in future field seasons. This will contribute to the intended spatial analysis of the urban layout of the site.

• geoarchaeological survey
• low-density urbanism
• maya
• resource use
• spatial order

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