Buildings from the Ground Up: Early Maya Architectural and Settlement Practices at the Belize Valley Site of Pacbitun, Belize

Summary

Archaeological research in the Upper Belize River Valley has recently produced information that dramatically improves our knowledge of the earliest Maya. Investigations, particularly at the site of Pacbitun, has revealed evidence of radiometrically and ceramically dated cultural stratigraphic deposits for the early and late Middle Preclassic subperiods (900-300 BC). Excavations were undertaken in the site core, principally Plazas A and B, to determine the nature and extent of these communities as well as to gather data on their spatial organization and population size. By combining settlement data with excavated architectural remains and ceramic assemblages, this paper will examine the timing and structure of initial occupation through increased social complexity by the 4th millennium BC. The excavation of several residential buildings, craft production areas, and a large ceremonial platform has provided significant new insights into the increasing diversification, complexity, and ceremonial/ritual importance of the buildings utilized by the residents of Pacbitun. A comparison of results with other valley sites and elsewhere in the central Maya lowlands will also be provided.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20797