Maya Archaeology in Belize: Centering the Edge

A comprehensive overview of the archaeological research conducted on the ancient Maya in Belize, centering the country's importance to Maya studies

Maya Archaeology in Belize brings together a wealth of studies and data representing current archaeological research in Belize. Once thought to be a place of minor contributions to the study of the ancient Maya civilization, Belize has proven to be central to interpretations of the Maya and to the trajectory of the broader field of archaeology. In this volume, leading archaeological researchers offer their expertise on sites in the region and together place Belize at the vanguard of Maya studies.

The chapters in this volume span thousands of years, from the Preceramic occupation of the area through the Postclassic Period and the arrival of Europeans in the Americas. Contributors explore Maya urban development, market systems, lithic and ceramic production, agricultural and water management practices, and responses to a shifting climate. The volume also discusses how researchers in Belize pioneered archaeological methods, both in terms of settlement pattern studies and large-scale lidar as well as integrating archaeology with community values and collaboration with stakeholders. This survey is an indispensable resource in understanding the ancient Maya and the field of archaeology today.