The Late Preclassic Monumental Foundation of Nixtun-Ch’ich’, Petén, Guatemala

Summary

This is an abstract from the "Recent Research in the Petén Lakes Region, Petén, Guatemala" session, at the 88th annual meeting of the Society for American Archaeology.

The archaeological site of Nixtun-Ch’ich’, Petén, Guatemala, exhibits urban planning different from “typical” Maya cities. In addition to its urban density and gridded layout, it possesses large monumental architecture along its central axis that distinguished it as a prominent city during the Preclassic period. This axis includes a massive triadic group built during the Late Preclassic period, but with earlier antecedents. This construction broadcasted the city’s prominence, as well as the presence of a community integrated in spirituality. The pattern is shared with other Preclassic cities indicating continuity in planning and design, which allowed for a common identity—at least loosely—perhaps facilitating social interaction. Many triadic groups, including that of Nixtun-Ch’ich’, incorporated symbolism tied to cosmogony in their facades.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Recent Research in the Petén Lakes Region, Petén, Guatemala   •
• Society for American Archaeology 88th Annual Meeting, Portland, OR (2023)

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Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 36285.0