<P> Richard S. MacNeish completed an extensive archaeological survey of Mesoamerica , during which he found the maize cobs in caves in Tehuacan , Puebla . It was originally suspected that these cobs date back to circa 5000 BC , however after radiocarbon dating it was determined that these finds date to 3500 BC . The earliest dated maize cob was discovered in Guilá Naquitz cave in Oaxaca and dates back to 4300 BC . Maize arrived at this point through the catastrophic sexual transmutation of Teosinte , the ancestor of maize . It became the single most important crop in all of Mesoamerica . Maize is storable for long periods of time , it can be ground into flour , and it easily turns into surplus for future use . Maize became vital to the survival of the people of Mesoamerica ; this is reflected in their origin myths , artwork , and rituals . The Maize God is depicted throughout Mesoamerica in stone figurines , carvings on altars , and even on temples , further signifying the importance of maize to the Mesoamerican peoples . </P>
<P> Richard S. MacNeish completed an extensive archaeological survey of Mesoamerica , during which he found the maize cobs in caves in Tehuacan , Puebla . It was originally suspected that these cobs date back to circa 5000 BC , however after radiocarbon dating it was determined that these finds date to 3500 BC . The earliest dated maize cob was discovered in Guilá Naquitz cave in Oaxaca and dates back to 4300 BC . Maize arrived at this point through the catastrophic sexual transmutation of Teosinte , the ancestor of maize . It became the single most important crop in all of Mesoamerica . Maize is storable for long periods of time , it can be ground into flour , and it easily turns into surplus for future use . Maize became vital to the survival of the people of Mesoamerica ; this is reflected in their origin myths , artwork , and rituals . The Maize God is depicted throughout Mesoamerica in stone figurines , carvings on altars , and even on temples , further signifying the importance of maize to the Mesoamerican peoples . </P>
one of the primary crops grown by the early inhabitants of the americas was
one of the primary crops grown by the early inhabitants of the americas was
Maize
Maize