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Title: FACELESS HIERARCHY AT NIXTUN-CH'ICH’, PETEN, GUATEMALA
Abstract Societies vary in how they approach the challenges of increased population, inequality, and occupational specialization. The city of Nixtun-Ch'ich’ and its satellite, T'up, in Peten, Guatemala exhibit orthogonal urban grids—a trait absent from all other known Maya cities. Such grids require extensive planning and the ability to mobilize the population. The present data suggests that Nixtun-Ch'ich’ was substantially larger than any of the surrounding settlements and was, therefore, a primate center during the Middle Preclassic period. The extensive urban planning of the site, as well as that of T'up suggests centralized planning. Yet, we have not encountered evidence of a central ruler propagated as a unifying symbol of the polity. The gridded public streets and lack of a rulership cult suggest that Nixtun-Ch'ich’ had a more collaborative social system.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2020668
PAR ID:
10328543
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Ancient Mesoamerica
Volume:
31
Issue:
2
ISSN:
0956-5361
Page Range / eLocation ID:
248 to 260
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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