Uaxactun as the Preclassic Dominant of Central Peten

Summary

In the beginning of the 20th Century Uaxactun was considered to be the cradle of the Maya civilization. Later, other monumental Maya centers were found and scholars lost interest for Uaxactun. The former popularity of Uaxactun was interpreted as just a coincidence because the first large excavations were carried out there. Newly identified important Maya sites were considered to be older and more interesting. The new archaeological project in Uaxactun has dealt with the Preclassic horizon of the site for the past 10 years and recent results confirm that the first impressions 100 years ago were not so far from the reality. Uaxactun was ruled by the first Maya king´s dynasties and has the biggest king´s residence in the Preclassic Central Peten. Among the extraordinary findings are the largest stucco masks of the Maya world, amazing and large stucco decorations, a dynastic shrine with preclassic inscriptions on a jade scepter, fine Preclassic inscriptions on stelae and last but not least astronomic complexes of extraordinary accuracy. Fine art, early inscriptions, richness and monumentality of architecture lead us to the conclusion that in Preclassic times Uaxactun was politically and culturally one of the most important cities of the Maya world.

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): 21622