Introduction to the Archaeology of El Tintal, Petén, Guatemala

Abstract

El Tintal’s occupation lasted from approximately 600 BCE through 900-1000 CE. During this millennium and a half the settlement underwent two significant cultural apogees: one in the Late Preclassic Period (350 BCE-200 CE) and the second in the Late Classic Period (550-800 CE). Results from recent investigations shed light on particular cultural manifestations for each period and their correspondence to regional traditions and sociopolitical contexts. For example, in Preclassic times emphasis was placed on large, volumetric constructions that defined the cultural and ceremonial landscapes, whereas in the Classic Period there was a notable increase in structure density and territorial extension of the settlement. Here, we summarize these results with the objective of providing a diachronic perspective on the archaeology of El Tintal, a site that has remained largely unknown.