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The Ancient Maya Ballcourt at Pacbitun, Belize

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2008

Paul F. Healy
Paul F. Healy
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario K9J 7B8, Canada
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Abstract

Excavations of a ceremonial ballcourt, undertaken at the Lowland Maya center of Pacbitun in western Belize, have provided details about ancient construction techniques and major diachronic structural changes to this special class of Precolumbian architecture. Some of the identified building alterations may have necessitated changes in the manner of playing the sacred Maya game at Pacbitun. A brief description of the excavations and construction history is provided. Analysis of artifactual remains from the ballcourt indicate it was built during the Late Preclassic period (100 b.c.-a.d. 300), but substantially altered in form during the Late Classic period (a.d. 550–900). The importance of the ballgame in the southern Lowlands is noted, and the particular significance of the Pacbitun court is discussed.

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Articles
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Ancient Mesoamerica , Volume 3 , Issue 2 , Fall 1992 , pp. 229 - 239
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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