Preclassic Maya Occupation of the Itzan Escarpment, Lower Río De La Pasión, Petén, Guatemala

Bibliographic Data

ID6034278
AuthorsKevin J Johnston (0000-0003-0338-1315, The Ohio State University, corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume17
Issue2
Pages177-201
Publication date2006-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAncient Mesoamerica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0956-5361 • E-ISSN: 1469-1787
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0956536106060093
OpenAlexW2095795725
LanguageES
Citations received14
References cited22

Maya elites and commoners intensively occupied the Itzan escarpment, located in the lower Río de la Pasión drainage system of Petén, Guatemala, during the Preclassic and Protoclassic periods. Itzan was colonized during the Xe phase of the Middle Preclassic period, and its occupation intensified during the late Middle and Late Preclassic periods, when elite residential and ceremonial facilities were erected. During the Late Preclassic and Protoclassic periods, the escarpment was dominated by Chaak Ak'al, a large site distinguished by massive pyramids and lengthy wall-like constructions, which undoubtedly served as a polity capital. Subsequent to the Protoclassic period, the locus of activity atop the escarpment shifted back to Itzan, which served as a polity capital through the Late Classic period. From data collected at Itzan, Chaak Ak'al, and other sites of the lower Río de la Pasión drainage system, a picture of regional Preclassic Maya political geography is emerging

Archaeology · Escarpment · Geography · Maya · Political science · Politics · Polity · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · Environmental and Cultural Studies in Latin America and Beyond · Latin American history and culture · Law