First archaeological identification of nixtamalized maize, from two pit latrines at the ancient Maya site of San Bartolo, Guatemala

This article presents the first direct archaeological evidence of nixtamalization, a chemical process that improves nutritional value maize, among ancient Maya people Guatemala. Analysis microbotanical remains recovered from two chultunes, pits cut into bedrock, in Late and Terminal Classic period residential group at site San Bartolo, Petén, Guatemala, provides recovery maize starch spherulites, unique byproduct thus earliest nixtamalization record. The presence helminth eggs within same contexts indicates that, some point their use life, were used as latrines middens for disposal domestic refuse, likely including nejayote, wastewater nixtamalization. These findings shed light on daily lives commoners inform discussions subsistence waste management cities.