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FAMSI © 2001: Francisco Estrada-Belli (Boston U./ now Vanderbilt University) |
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Archaeological Investigations at Holmul, Guatemala Minor Centers A number of minor centers were reported during work at the Holmul site. Of these, only the site of "Caracol" was briefly inspected. The site is located about 5 km SSW of our base camp or about 3.5-4 km due south of the Holmul center. The site is composed of at least 3 tall pyramids clustered on a broad platform. Str. 2 appears to be the main structure measuring about 20 m in height and supporting a vaulted building on the summit. Serious damage to the superstructure and body of this pyramid has been inflicted by deep looters’ trenches. At about fifty meters to the north is Str. 2 which is about the same height as Str. 3 although no masonry superstructure was noted due to the massive disturbance by looting. Str. 1 is located to the west of Str. 2 and appeared to measure about 15 m in height and have a stairway on the southern side. Four major trenches had bisected the structure on all sides. Additionally, the site of Lechugal was reported by IDAEH inspector Moro to be located only 200 m from our base camp, but was not explored in 2000. Important architectural remains will likely be found at the site of Cival II located about 7 km to the north and at the site of Limonal in the same direction. To the west, on top of the escarpment and about 7 km from site center a number of minor centers might be located, including the site of Sufrikaya with one of the earliest reported cycle 8 inscriptions in the Maya Lowlands (Matthews, 1985). A great number of smaller "minor centers" are expected to be found within the 4-5 km radius of the Holmul center and will be investigated with the use of GPS and EDM equipment in the coming years providing important information on the economic, political and ritual structure of the settlement area of Holmul. |
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