Using Virtual Reality to Understand Astronomical Knowledge and Historical Landscapes at Preclassic Cerros, Belize

Abstract

This investigation explores the emergence of ancient astronomical systems of knowledge at the site of Cerros, Belize. We argue that the ancient Maya of Cerros early on observed features in the coastal landscape that marked zenith events, and over time they constructed buildings to memorialize this observation point on a unique promontory at the site. As the site grew, the system of observation at Cerros developed into a form of architecture that only elites could access, thus creating a separate privileged form of knowledge. Later construction marked other important horizon events, most notably the spring equinox. The architecture itself became a form of landscape that helped mould their ceremonial activities. Using three-dimensional reconstructions of the site based on recorded archaeological data, we focus on how the Maya at Cerros developed an astronomically influenced cosmological system.

The Rapid Rise and Fall of Cerros, Belize: A Generational Approach to Chronology

“…The social generation is a microlevel approach that prioritizes what Alfred Gell (1992), following James McTaggart (1908), called “A-series time,” the lived experience of time that contextualizes small-group social interaction. Similar studies have been conducted in the Maya region (Hutson 2009; Normark 2004; Vadala and Milbrath 2016). Here, we describe key caching events that calibrate the Bayesian chronology and correlate them with the social generations discussed in our microlevel analysis.…”

“…Structure 5C-2nd exhibited important solar and astronomical imagery that highlighted how it was positioned in antiquity (Schele and Miller 1986:108, Fig. 11.1; Vadala and Milbrath 2016). During GUs 6–9, 5C-2nd could host large groups in the open plaza fronting the acropolis (Freidel and Schele 1988a, 1989; Vadala 2016), a landscape conducive to building community solidarity.…”

“…During GUs 6–9, 5C-2nd could host large groups in the open plaza fronting the acropolis (Freidel and Schele 1988a, 1989; Vadala 2016), a landscape conducive to building community solidarity. At that time, social fluidity was commonplace among locals, yet there were probably some high-status individuals (Vadala and Milbrath 2016). Focusing on mask iconography, Freidel and Schele demonstrated that these architectural facades were evidence of the ideological connections that elites shared with their contemporaries elsewhere.…”

“…As Freidel and Schele (1988a) have argued, by the time Structure 6 was built, social inequality had developed. Created to provide ritual practitioners a large raised, isolated central space, the Eightfold House played an important role in the segregation of social groups, and consequently in the transfer of local historical knowledge as Cerros continued to prosper (Vadala and Milbrath 2016).

Figure 6.North–south profile of 6B locating Cache 1.

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Zenith and Nadir Passages of the Sun in Mesoamerica

“…Fahmel Beyer 1992;Mendez and Karasik 2014;Slater 2014;Montero García 2016), or buildings and certain natural horizon features (e.g. Green 2014;Vadala and Milbrath 2016). Clearly, none of these hypotheses (unless based on erroneous data) can be dismissed outright, but objections can be raised on methodological grounds.…”