Ridge Grotto Höyük
Ridge Grotto
Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)·Chalcolithic·🇬🇹 Petén, Guatemala
About
About Ridge Grotto Höyük
Ridge Grotto Höyük in Petén, Guatemala is a Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE) tell attributed to Chalcolithic culture. Systematically investigated through systematic survey and fieldwalking, it presents a principal enclosure with ancillary settlement. Construction employs rubble core with facing and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Chalcolithic tell with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Population scale vs catchment
Theories
- 01Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
- 02Astronomical observatory and calendar
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. 4079 BCE
- Period
- Chalcolithic (4500–3300 BCE)
- Culture
- Chalcolithic
- Purpose
- Residential and craft production
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 4079 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 3279 BCE
Major expansion and monumental elaboration
c. 717 BCE
Rebuilding and fortification phase
1964
Modern archaeological excavation and survey
On the ground
Structures & features
18.4314° N · 88.3482° W · 344 m · 3 mapped features
Reservoir/Cistern
rampartHydraulic feature — well
18.4319° N · 88.3466° WNecropolis Extension
moundHydraulic feature — aqueduct
18.4332° N · 88.3453° WTemple Platform
courtyardOutlier feature with petroglyphs
18.4309° N · 88.3491° W