Defining the Spatial to Find the Social: Applying Generative Planning Theory and GIS to Distinguish Communities at Ceibal, Guatemala

Summary

While residential zones in many Mesoamerican cities were perceptibly defined by physical boundaries, the spatial division of Maya urban centers is not very clear. Following empirical urban theories outlined by Michael Smith (2010; 2011), we employ generative planning theory as a framework for defining residential zones in the peripheries of Ceibal, Guatemala. We believe that physical zones likewise represent social boundaries, in this case local communities that comprised the larger Ceibal polity. Like many lowland Maya sites, Ceibal grew into an urbanized center in the Late Preclassic (ca. 350BC-100BC). During this time, numerous minor temples were constructed in peripheral areas, and clusters of residential structures were built contemporaneously around them. Ritual was clearly an important consideration for outlying populations during Ceibal’s urban expansion. We suggest these temples were the physical and ideological epicenters of local communities, which were fostered through monumental construction and subsequent ritual practices. While some houses are clearly associated with the temples, the physical limits of the communities are uncertain. To supplement the analysis, we employ GIS to identify related architectural groups. This case study more broadly explores the potential of generative planning theory for understanding the spatial and social organization of ancient Maya cities.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage