Island Time: Current Archaeological Research on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
As the largest island among hundreds of offshore islands or ‘cayes’, Ambergris Caye, Belize was part of a network of coastal sites in Belize and Yucatan that together played a significant role in the economy of the ancient Maya. Yet despite the prominent role it played in Maya coastal trade, Ambergris Caye has been understudied from an archaeological perspective. However, this situation has changed in recent years. This paper presents some of the preliminary results of two current projects being conducted on the island – an archaeological investigation of the Late Postclassic San Pedro site, and an island-wide LiDAR survey project. Both projects have provided new insights into ancient Maya life on the island. Excavations at the San Pedro site have revealed characteristics of Late Postclassic Maya domestic construction, mortuary practices, and material culture, while the LiDAR survey has provided new information on Maya land use practices on the island. Specifically, LiDAR survey has revealed the presence of a network of polygonal and linear features in the central and northern areas of the island that appear similar to the albarradas and other field wall features found in many parts of northern Yucatan.
