North Eastern Maya Sites

 

Northeastern Maya Sites

Sarteneja Peninsula and Shipstern Lagoon

        

       Northeaster Belize Maya sites include Sarteneja, Shipstern, Cenote(isla), Bandera, Aragon, Condemned Point, Condemned Point 11, Ramonal, Ramonal Lookout, Cave, Lagoon Islet, and Rocky Point. Evidence of Pre Classic inhabitation was found at Sarteneja and at Shipstern. During the classic period, at least ten settlements and large activity areas are known is northeaster Belize. At this time Sarteneja and Shipstern probably functioned as central places for the religions directly north and south, respectively of Shipstern lagoon. Both sites possibly had populations that exceeded 1,000 inhabitants. Continuation of settlements is maintained during the Early Post Classic and may have been particularly robust during the Late Post Classic. 

       A network of satellite communities including Aragon, Cave, Cenote, and Bandera surrounded Sarteneja during the Terminal Classic and Post Classic. The site probably served as an economically differentiated central place. Supporting evidence is found at Cenote-in the form of an enigmatic network of dry-laid low stone walls. At Bandera, a specialized walkway facilitated year-round transport and communication through a seasonally flooded savannah, and provided Sarteneja access to the shore of the Lagoon. Finally, the quantity and variety of trade goods at Sarteneja –such as large concentration of obsidian, including three blades from Pachuca, Mexico, and an incised bone pendant of sophisticated Nahuatl-style workmanship—indicated the site participated in a dynamic trade network during the Postclassic.  

 

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