A detailed analysis of the economic foundations of the prehispanic Maya city of Palenque. Full information on extensive ridged field systems in Palenque's immediate hinterland and on the rural settlement associated with them. The study concludes that, initially, the construction and use of these ridged fields systems was strongly controlled and managed by elites residing in the city itself. Later in the sequence there is a substantial decrease in central administrative control. Detailed data are available electronically. Complete text in English and Spanish.