Panama Forum

llseldon
Joined 2013
Posts: 3205

6 years ago

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) Tuesday afternoon seminar July 4th

6 years ago

This is a fun event, if you are in Panama do go, social hour after the speaker.

Announcing the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) in Ancon Tuesday afternoon seminar July 4th, 2017 at 4:00 pm in the Earl S. Tupper auditorium:

Speaker: Ashley Sharpe, STRI
Title: A Cross-Regional Shift in the Use of Animal Resources among the Ancient Maya
Abstract: The infamous “collapse” of the Classic Maya civilization around AD 900 has overshadowed much of the public’s conception of this ancient society, and has been the focus of intense archaeological research for many decades. Environmental stress and excessive political strife have been cited as likely causes for the widespread community abandonment throughout southern Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Recently, several archaeologists have argued that this event was preceded by an even earlier period of social unrest termed the “Preclassic Collapse”, occurring around AD 100-300 when the first Maya cities were beginning to develop. The cause for this earlier abandonment phase is unclear. This presentation examines the analysis of animal remains at the sites of Ceibal, San Bartolo, and Xultun, three politically significant communities in Guatemala that were occupied both before and after the Preclassic Collapse, and which offer a long-term view of animal resource use across a period of almost 2000 years (1000 BC – AD 900). These analyses provide strong evidence for a major shift in the types and uses of animal taxa coinciding with the Preclassic Collapse, such as a region-wide disappearance of certain freshwater mollusks in northern Guatemala and the appearance of terrestrial fauna such as turkeys, likely introduced from central Mexico. Combined with other archaeological evidence, the results suggest that the end of the Preclassic period might not have been a total “collapse” like that of AD 900, but instead a transitional period as Maya communities adapted subsistence and economic strategies to accommodate increasingly dense populations.
Upcoming seminars:

July 11: Ximena Bernal, Purdue University
Unraveling the ecology and evolution of interspecific eavesdropping: lessons from frog-biting midges

July 18: Duanne McKenna, University of Memphis
Title to be announced

July 25: Christian Cox, Georgia Southern University
Title to be announced

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.