Excavation and Survey at Nohmul, Belize, 1986

Abstract

AbstractThe final season of investigation of the Preclassic and Classic Maya community of Nohmul, northern Belize, included mapping of large areas of prehispanic settlement, surface sampling and test excavation in the settlement area, and major excavation of public architecture in the site core.The settlement pattern studies deemonstrate a large and dense community during the Tecep phase of ca. A.C. 800–1100, including “non-mound” occupation not visible on the surface. Site center excavations document an occupation sequence of A.C. 600–900+ at the Ball Court locus and a large public building of Tecep date forming part of a substantial reoccupation of Nohmul after a Classic period hiatus in monumental construction. Further investigation of the site's initial florescence in the Terminal Preclassic of the early first millennium A. C. suggests that the hitherto unexcavated West Group and the causeway linking it to the East Group of the ceremonial precinct form part of a massive architectural program that also...