Rescuing the Origins of Dos Pilas Dynasty:
A Salvage of Hieroglyphic Stairway #2, Structure L5-49
Interim Report
Date Posted: September 10, 2002

Table of Contents

Abstract
Introduction
Structure of the Information
Nature of the Information
The Decipherment of the Stairways
Central Section
Stairway 2, East Section
Stairway 2, West Section
Annex 1: Dos Pilas Hieroglyphic Stairways 2
List of Figures and Photos

Final Report

Abstract

The discovery of ten new steps in the Hieroglyphic Stairway Two of Dos Pilas, Petén, Guatemala confirms and adds new information to the often violent episodes of that site’s history.

The founding date of the city either in 629 A.D. or near that date and the birth of the man who was to become Ruler I of the dynasty are found in the first two steps of the Central Section. The following four steps recall the ceremonies of his youth. Steps V and VI of the East Section give the surprising information concerning the attack on Dos Pilas by Calakmul in this powerful kingdom’s strategy to control the river trade routes between the Maya Lowlands and the Highlands of Guatemala in the Southwestern Petén and the resulting Dos Pilas’ acceptance of a subservient role in this affair.

Steps V and VI in the West Section begin with the war between the Tikal and Dos Pilas rulers who were brothers and the resulting defeat and sacrifice of the former site’s ruler in 675 A.D.

Federico Fahsen
afahsen@terra.com.gt

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Final Report

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