Maya Heterarchy as Inferred From Classic-Period Plaza Plans

Abstract

Recognition of architectural patterning among groups of structures at lowland Maya sites dating from the Classic period provides insights into the ways that residences and ritual complexes were organized. Each structured group arrangement, or Plaza Plan (PP), reveals an architectural grammar that provides the database enabling us to predict urban as well as rural settlement patterns. Wide variations in sizes among examples of residential PPs suggests that heterarchy was an important aspect of Classic Maya society. Examination of PP2 at Tikal indicates that a heterarchic pattern of organization existed. Heterarchy may relate to the fragility of the structure of lowland Maya kingship, and this may explain the gradual demise of states during the Terminal Classic and Postclassic periods and their replacement by re-emergent Maya chiefdoms.

Río Bec Settlement Patterns and Local Sociopolitical Organization

“…While 67% of all surface remains can be firmly identified as ruined residences (M9–M3; n = 333), only 3% include small pyramidal foundations, small altars, and/or a few long structures (none excavated). No more than five mounds (coded SP) can be interpreted as domestic shrines of the type well known in eastern Peten and Belize patio groups (see Becker 2004). Our complete exposure excavations in nine dwelling units tend to confirm this negative evidence, with the exception of the pyramid-temple abutting the southern façade of Building A (see Michelet et al 2013).…”

The Elusive Maya Marketplace: An Archaeological Consideration of the Evidence

“…There has been an extended discussion among archaeologists about how the Maya designed their ceremonial centers and what factors informed their placement of structures with reference to directionality and cosmological attributes (e.g., Ashmore 1991;Brady 1997). Plazas may well have held symbolic meaning, but more importantly they served essential purposes in the activities planned for site centers (Becker 2004(Becker , 2009). For marketplace activities, there may have been differences in the buildings associated with the plaza, indicating an intended separation between ritual and secular activities.…”

“…For marketplace activities, there may have been differences in the buildings associated with the plaza, indicating an intended separation between ritual and secular activities. Few studies have addressed functional differences beyond documenting size, and fewer still have undertaken excavation to test for associated activities around entrances, for example, or to look for middens around the perimeters (but see Becker 2004;Hirth and Webb 2006).…”

Under the Rule of the Snake Kings: Uxul in the 7th and 8th Centuries

“…Another causeway to the east of the e-group (Denison causeway) runs about 200 meters, connecting the site core to a large patio group (Group r) at the edge of the eastern aguada (see figure 2). this group, along with six other possible candidates distributed throughout the settlement, appears to conform to the "eastern shrine" architectural pattern identified by Becker (2004) at Tikal-an arrangement associated with ancestor worship and household-level ritual activities.…”