Pacbitun is one of the oldest known Middle Preclassic sites in Western Belize, having been first occupied c. 1000 B.C. The site flourished particularly during the Late Preclassic (400 B.C. 250 A.D.) and Late Classic (600 - 900 A.D.) periods. The discovery of a green obsidian point in a cache at Pacbitun suggests a trade connection with Teotihuacan during the Early Classic. The site is surrounded by hills which the Maya terraced.
The Site
Pacbitun is a major ceremonial centre covering about 30 ha. (75 acres) with a core of .5 sq. km. There are at least 24 major temple pyramids at the site, the highest measuring 16.5 metres, as well as elite residences, a ceremonial ball court, eight carved and uncarved stelae and raised causeways, one of which is more than a kilometre long. Excavations have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, many of which are elite goods, most notably musical instruments made of carved and moulded pottery.
Pacbitun is a major ceremonial centre covering about 30 ha. (75 acres) with a core of .5 sq. km. There are at least 24 major temple pyramids at the site, the highest measuring 16.5 metres, as well as elite residences, a ceremonial ball court, eight carved and uncarved stelae and raised causeways, one of which is more than a kilometre long. Excavations have unearthed a wealth of artifacts, many of which are elite goods, most notably musical instruments made of carved and moulded pottery.
Archaeological Work
Pacbitun, meaning "Stones Set in the Earth", was known to the villagers of San Antonio, Cayo for many years and it was they who gave the site its name. It was not until 1971 that the site was registered at the Department of Archaeology by Peter Schmidt.
In 1980 members of the Trent University project examined the site while searching for ancient Maya terracing in the area. In 1984 the Trent team carried out ground surveys around Pacbitun and found agricultural terraces on hills within a .5 km. radius of the centre and as far as 3 km. to the east and west of the site. Ancient Maya housemounds, probably farmsteads, were also located interspersed among the terraced zones.
In 1986 Paul Healy of Trent began large-scale excavations at Pacbitun. Mapping continued and excavations focused on the ceremonial core area of the site At the end of both the 1986 and 1987 seasons consolidation and reconstruction of structures was carried out. The project continues and will focus on agricultural practices and settlement patterns.
Pacbitun, meaning "Stones Set in the Earth", was known to the villagers of San Antonio, Cayo for many years and it was they who gave the site its name. It was not until 1971 that the site was registered at the Department of Archaeology by Peter Schmidt.
In 1980 members of the Trent University project examined the site while searching for ancient Maya terracing in the area. In 1984 the Trent team carried out ground surveys around Pacbitun and found agricultural terraces on hills within a .5 km. radius of the centre and as far as 3 km. to the east and west of the site. Ancient Maya housemounds, probably farmsteads, were also located interspersed among the terraced zones.
In 1986 Paul Healy of Trent began large-scale excavations at Pacbitun. Mapping continued and excavations focused on the ceremonial core area of the site At the end of both the 1986 and 1987 seasons consolidation and reconstruction of structures was carried out. The project continues and will focus on agricultural practices and settlement patterns.
Locale and Access
Pacbitun is situated in the Cayo District about 3 km. east of San Antonio village and 7.5 km. east of the Macal River. The site is set in an area that has been extensively cultivated for many years. It is 230 metres above sea level and being on the periphery of the Mountain Pine Ridge it lies between a lowland forest environment and the highlands.
The trip to the site is many-faceted. You can visit San Antonio village which is one of the few villages in the Cayo District where the Mayan language is still spoken and is also the home of the well known healer Don Elijio Panti. In the village there is also a small, family business that carves authentic Maya designs on local slate.
The site is about a 30 minute drive from Santa Elena, Cayo, up the Cristo Rey road. Pacbitun is on privately owned land: please contact Mr. Tzul about I kin. after leaving San Antonio. There are no facilities at the site.
Pacbitun is situated in the Cayo District about 3 km. east of San Antonio village and 7.5 km. east of the Macal River. The site is set in an area that has been extensively cultivated for many years. It is 230 metres above sea level and being on the periphery of the Mountain Pine Ridge it lies between a lowland forest environment and the highlands.
The trip to the site is many-faceted. You can visit San Antonio village which is one of the few villages in the Cayo District where the Mayan language is still spoken and is also the home of the well known healer Don Elijio Panti. In the village there is also a small, family business that carves authentic Maya designs on local slate.
The site is about a 30 minute drive from Santa Elena, Cayo, up the Cristo Rey road. Pacbitun is on privately owned land: please contact Mr. Tzul about I kin. after leaving San Antonio. There are no facilities at the site.
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