Dating the Rise and Fall of Xunantunich, Belize

Abstract

This article presents the chronological framework used to reconstruct the political history of the ancient Lowland Maya site of Xunantunich in the upper Belize River valley. Extensive excavations from 1991 to 1997 by the Xunantunich Archaeological Project produced the ceramic, architectural, and epigraphic data needed to place the site within a temporal context. Refinement of the Barton Ramie ceramic chronology was the first step toward clarifying the Xunantunich chronology. Seriation of well-known Spanish Lookout types and modes from stratified deposits established a framework for understanding Late and Terminal Classic assemblages. Twenty-two radiocarbon samples place these ceramic complexes in absolute time. Obsidian hydration and masonry techniques were found to be less reliable chronological markers. The results indicate that Xunantunich emerged as a regional center during the Samal (a.d. 600-670) and Hats' Chaak (a.d. 670-780) phases of the Late Classic period. Arguably, this rapid growth and florescence was initiated under the auspices of nearby Naranjo. Although the polity achieved political autonomy in the following Tsak' phase (a.d. 780-890) of the Terminal Classic period, civic construction diminished and rural populations declined until the site collapsed sometime during the late ninth or early tenth century.

Ritual among the Masses: Deconstructing Identity and Class in an Ancient Maya Neighborhood

“…As the paramount center, Naranjo was the primary economic and political force in the region, impacting the growth and expansion of centers throughout the Belize Valley. While some flourished under Naranjo's protection, others such as Xunantunich came to prominence after its decline (Ashmore and Leventhal 1993;LeCount et al 2002;Leventhal and Ashmore 2004). In a similar manner, Xunantunich's rise in the Late Classic (A.D. 600-900) affected to some degree the social and political landscape of surrounding communities, like that of Chan.…”

Tomb 68-1, Copan: Deducing Polity Dynamics during the Early Classic Period and Beyond

“…However, the full extent and range of the consequences-economic, social, or political-of such interactions have proven difficult to track materially (Hammond 1991;Marken and Straight 2007;Sharer and Traxler 2006). Aside from a few select cases, Mayanists have been unable to define not only the boundaries but indeed the full settlement composition of most Classic polities (e.g., Ashmore 1981; Ashmore, Yaeger, and Robin 2004;Chase andChase 1987, 1994;Demarest 2006;Fialko Coxemans 1996;Folan 1992;Folan, Kintz, and Fletcher 1983;LeCount and Yaeger 2010a;LeCount et al 2002;Liendo Stuardo 2003Robin 2002;Scarborough, Valdez, and Dunning 2003;Willey et al 1975). Two of the most intensively investigated Maya sites-Copan, Honduras, and Tikal, Guatemala-stand out as exceptions.…”

The Charismatic Polity: Zapote Bobal and the Birth of Authority at Jaguar Hill

“…However, the full extent and range of the consequences-economic, social, or political-of such interactions have proven difficult to track materially (Hammond 1991;Marken and Straight 2007;Sharer and Traxler 2006). Aside from a few select cases, Mayanists have been unable to define not only the boundaries but indeed the full settlement composition of most Classic polities (e.g., Ashmore 1981;Ashmore, Yaeger, and Robin 2004;Chase andChase 1987, 1994;Demarest 2006;Fialko Coxemans 1996;Folan 1992;Folan, Kintz, and Fletcher 1983;LeCount and Yaeger 2010a;LeCount et al 2002;Liendo Stuardo 2003Robin 2002;Scarborough, Valdez, and Dunning 2003;Willey et al 1975). Two of the most intensively investigated Maya sites-Copan, Honduras, and Tikal, Guatemala-stand out as exceptions.…”