The Discovery and Significance of Chactún: A Maya Metropolis
Discovery
In 2013, a significant archaeological discovery was made in the state of Campeche, Mexico, within the northern part of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. A team of Mexican and international experts from the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU) and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), led by archaeologist Ivan Sprajc, uncovered an ancient Maya city known as Chactún, which translates to “Red Stone”. This discovery was facilitated by aerial photographs, revealing a site that had remained hidden due to its inaccessible location and dense vegetation. The project, supported by the National Geographic Society among others, marked a significant advancement in the understanding of the Maya civilization in this region.
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Ancient Use
Chactún, dating from 600 to 900 AD, is believed to have been a central government seat for a vast area. The site spans approximately 54 acres and features three complexes of monumental architecture. The West Complex, the largest of the three, includes numerous pyramids, the tallest of which stands at 23 meters, two ball courts, and several large palace-like buildings. The presence of sculpted stone stelae and altars, some with well-preserved reliefs and hieroglyphic inscriptions, further underscores the city’s historical and cultural significance. Interestingly, evidence suggests that after the collapse of the Maya, the site was inhabited by a different group, indicated by the altered positioning of several monuments and the discovery of artifacts in the ball court areas.
Architectural and Cultural Insights
Chactún’s architecture and the artifacts found within offer valuable insights into the Maya civilization and its interactions with surrounding regions. The city’s layout and the style of its buildings show influences from both the Rio Bec and Chenes regions, yet with unique elements that set it apart. The discovery of stelae, including one that commemorates the erection of the “Great Red Stone” by ruler K’inich B’ahlam in 751 AD, provides a tangible connection to the city’s past inhabitants and their societal structures.
Ongoing Research
The discovery of Chactún has spurred ongoing archaeological research, including the use of airborne laser (lidar) scanning to reveal a thoroughly modified cultural landscape around the site. This technology has uncovered residential clusters and extensive modifications related to water management and agriculture, indicating a highly sophisticated society capable of altering its environment to meet its needs. The work of archaeologists and epigraphists, such as Octavio Esparza Olguin from UNAM, continues to record and interpret the stelae, altars, and other artifacts, shedding light on the city’s history and its significance within the Maya civilization.
Conclusion
The discovery and ongoing exploration of Chactún offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization, revealing the complexity and sophistication of its society. As research continues, Chactún is poised to provide further insights into the Maya’s architectural, agricultural, and societal advancements, contributing significantly to our understanding of this ancient civilization.
Sources:
Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chact%C3%BAn
Past Horizons Archive
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