Classic Maya Seaports: Uaymil, North Campeche Coast
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Research Year:  2001
Culture:  Maya
Chronology:  Terminal Classic
Location:  Northern Campeche, México
Site:  Uaymil

Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Uaymil: Historical Background
Uaymil: Description of the Structures
Ceramics
Obsidian
Basalt
Limestone
Chert
Shell
Conclusion
List of Figures
Sources Cited

Abstract

The small settlement of Uaymil is located on an island or petén in the northern part of Campeche. This former seaport is 25 km north/northeast of Jaina and 2.5 km inland from the coast. Over four weeks, between June and July 2001, we mapped the whole island and collected an excellent sample of cultural remains. When we consider how strategic Uaymil’s position was on the north coast of Campeche, its internal layout, and the Terminal Classic period archaeological remains found at the site, all this suggests to us that Uaymil neither functioned as an independent coastal port nor a coastal port dependent on one political capital located inland. Rather, the evidence found at Uaymil suggests that it must have functioned as a trans-shipment station. This is to say that the function of Uaymil was to facilitate the movement of objects and merchandise that would eventually arrive at Chichén Itzá via Isla Cerritos. Apparently, Uxmal—the great capital of the western Maya northern lowlands—also benefited from the specific function that Uaymil carried out at the end of the Classic period.

Submitted 07/03/2002 by:
Rafael Cobos
RACHCOBOS@aol.com

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