Cahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2
Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE)·Bronze Age·🇧🇿 Cayo, Cahal Pech, Belize
About
About Cahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2
Cahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2 in Cayo, Cahal Pech, Belize is a Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE) ancient city attributed to Bronze Age. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal walled area 12 ha and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 17.1540N -89.0840E controls access to Cayo resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey ancient city for Cayo, Cahal Pech, illustrating Bronze Age construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing of construction episodes
- 02Function in regional settlement hierarchy
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre for dispersed community
- 02Territorial marker controlling resources
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2800 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE)
- Culture
- Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Regional urban centre controlling trade and administration
- Rediscovered
- 1993 survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 2800 BCE
Initial construction of Cahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2 main structure
c. 1933
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1993–2008
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Cahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
17.1540° N · 89.0840° W · 311 m · 3 mapped features
Cahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2 — Main Structure
structurePrincipal ancient city — Walled area 12 ha with diagnostic masonry/panel
17.1548° N · 89.0831° WCahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2 — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
17.1530° N · 89.0847° WCahal Pech Plaza B Structure 2 — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
17.1555° N · 89.0828° W