The Columbian Exchange

Maya Crops in Demand Around the Globe

In the 16th century, Maya cultivars were espoused by cultures across the globe.

By 1530, tomatoes were growing in Italy; maize was an African crop by 1590; papayas were grown in Asia by 1530, tobacco in 1520 (and even turkeys in England by 1520). In 1550, Europeans introduced cassava and the peanut to tropical Southeast Asia and West Africa.

This exchange of cultivars, animals, and ideas become known as the Columbian Exchange.

Scholars believe that the ecological transformation set off by it was one of the events that established the modern world. The greatest lasting impact of the Columbian Exchange lies in the introduction of Maya cultivars to the rest of the world. World-changing Maya cultivars include:

•    tobacco
•    cotton
•    turkeys
•    maize
•    sweet potatoes
•    tomatoes
•    peanuts
•    cassava
•    cacao
•    chicle
•    henequen
•    sunflower seeds
•    papaya
•    vanilla
•    chilli peppers
•    beans
•    squash

These cultivars have made important changes to the food security of the entire world. As well, the introductions of new crops from the New World have had a dramatic impact on demographics.

K'ayab': June 11th to June 30th

Variants for the k'ayab glyph

Meaning: Turtle, Moon Goddess, One God

Mayan Zodiac Symbols Interpretation:

• Those born in the Kayab sign have a natural affinity for the moon and spiritual endeavours.
• One most likely finds himself searching for the deeper meaning in everyday occurrences.
• The turtle is the animal totem.
• Turtles have deep significance as the carriers of ancient wisdom and the carriers of the earth.