The Early Agricultural Period in the Sonoran Desert: Key Concepts and Discoveries

Over the past two decades, our knowledge of the Early Agricultural period has increased substantially, leading to a better understanding of the processes involved in the transition to maize agriculture, the timing of associated shifts in subsistence and mobility strategies, and the role that this subsistence shift had in cultural change across the region. In this paper, I summarize the major discoveries that have led to our expanding views, and highlight the changes through time indicated by these finds. I discuss what we know based on existing evidence and present ideas for future investigations that can continue to enhance our understanding of this important period.