essay

Introduction

archaeology at cerros, belize, central america : an interim report • 1 • Published In 1986 • Pages: xiii-xxiii

By: Freidel, David A..

Abstract

This is the introductory chapter to the site report, 'Archaeology at Cerros, Belize, Central America' (doc. nos. 52-63). Cerros is a Late Preclassic Mayan site on the shore of Chetumal Bay, near the mouth of the New River in northern Belize. The Cerros Project started up in the summer of 1974 with mapping and test excavations to determine architectural stratigraphy and ceramic chronology. The next year they uncovered a Late Preclassic dedicatory offering cache in the second largest mound. In subsequent seasons of digging the Late Preclassic origin of Cerros was confirmed. The presence of imported ceramics and docking facilities also established that Cerros was a significant trading center. The architectural sratigraphy of Cerros reveals a sudden transformation from a nucleated to dispersed community with public architecture built over the original village.

HRAF PubDate

2001

Region

Middle America and the Caribbean

Sub Region

Maya Area

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Archaeologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2000

Field Date

1974-1981

Coverage Date

2350-1850 BP

Coverage Place

Cerros, Belize

Notes

David A. Freidel

For bibliographical references see document number 6:Anonymous

LCCN

86003843

LCSH

Mayas--Antiquities