THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURAL SPACE DURING THE MIDDLE PRECLASSIC AT PACBITUN, BELIZE

Authors

Terry G. Powis, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144Follow
George J. Micheletti, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816Follow
Kong Cheong, American University, Washington DC, 20016Follow

Abstract

Investigations in Plazas A and B of the site core at Pacbitun indicate that initial occupation began in the early Middle Preclassic period (900-600 BC). At this time, a small agricultural community was established in Plaza B beginning with a few domestic structures built just above bedrock. These early domiciles would also function as workshops for the production of marine shell beads. During the late Middle Preclassic (600-300 BC), the size of the community in Plaza B expanded five-fold, with rectangular-shaped platforms replacing the early apsidal structures and the shell bead industry intensifying significantly. It is during this period that ceremonial architecture was erected on the north and south ends of Plaza A. While these platforms represent the first two monumental constructions in Plaza A, their unique physical and spatial attributes say much about their distinct identities as they relate to each another and to the domestic structures of Plaza B. The purpose of this presentation is to detail these distinct identities and discuss what each might tell us about the nature, structure, and extent of sociopolitical changes at the site throughout the Middle Preclassic period.

Acknowledgements

Alphawood Foundation

Recommended Citation

Powis, Terry G.; Micheletti, George J.; and Cheong, Kong (2025) "THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURAL SPACE DURING THE MIDDLE PRECLASSIC AT PACBITUN, BELIZE," Georgia Journal of Science, Vol. 83, No. 1, Article 88.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.gaacademy.org/gjs/vol83/iss1/88