Caracol - Select Architectural Groups

Select Architectural Groups

A GROUP PLAZA

• One of the earliest groups at the site. Has temples on three sides, and a western range platform supporting six structures; built over the earlier Uaxactun style E Group (completed by A.D. 70). Structures A1-A7 surround the plaza.
• Painted texts from elite tombs in Structure A3 and A34 (the Central Acropolis). Tombs from this complex date to earlier than the epigraphic record, and as such cannot be equated to epigraphically known individuals.
• 8th Cycle dedication caches placed, probably also timed with the completion/dedication of the E Group); this predates caching practices at other sites like Tikal by several hundred years.

Structure A1

• Investigations encountered ritual activity in a traditionally non-ritual context at the back of the structure. Stela 1 and Altar 1 were located at the rear, in front of a tomb with three cremated individuals, and over a twice life-size stucco figure which created, modified, and used during the Early Classic. Also recovered were two elaborate caches dating to the end of the Early Classic, including a cached ceramic box found at the chest of the stucco figure.
• Construction dates to the Early classic. Probably played a role in the Lord Water (Yajaw Te’ K’inich II), Knot Ahau, and Kan II transition. Occupation and modification demonstrated in the Late to Terminal Classic.
• Grouping of monuments includes Stelae 13, 14, 15, 16, and Altar 7. This building sequence seems to have begun with a dedicatory cache on the bedrock below Platform A1 containing Early Classic pottery, which was covered over by a floor in which Stelae 13 and 14 were set. A Late or Terminal Classic cache was placed directly above the first and Stelae 15 and 16 were broken and covered by Altar 7 in front of Stela 14 (this indicates that originally, Stela 14 and Altar 7 were not a pair; Altar 7 was a later addition).

Structure A2

• Forming the western side of the A Group Plaza, excavations revealed several Early Classic caches and a Terminal Classic tomb. Stela 22 which was found 1.5m west of Altar 17, and Stela 23 were also found at its summit.
• Excavations revealed that the structure was built in one single construction effort during the Late Preclassic with only minor later modification.

Structure A3

• Located on the northern side of the A Group Plaza
• Painted capstone shows building renovation in A.D. 696
• Excavations uncovered a well preserved front stairway with the basal portion of a central stair mask. Two special deposits (a Terminal Classic skull cache and a Late Classic partial burial) were found in association with the stair, but neither revealed any artifactual offerings. The mask here was also not associated with a tomb, as is the case with B19 and B20 on Caana.

Structure A5

• Stelae 13, 14, 15, 16, and Altar 7 were found adjacent, and Stelae 12 and 20 were found at its base.
• No tombs were located within its core,

Structure A6

• The largest of the four buildings surrounding A-Group Plaza, and dates to the 1st century A.D. Two tombs were located in front of the structure, and were both of an Early Classic date, although no tombs were found within the core of the building.
• The primary eastern temple in the A Group
• Appears to have been the location of long term use, evidenced from cooking vessels and burning dated into the 11th century A.D.

Structure A8

• The superstructure, excavated during the 1990 field season, revealed a tandem-room structure facing south, away from the A Plaza. Excavations revealed that the earlier platform faced west, and a probe in the plaza floor showed a posthole, although it is unknown if it is associated with the platform or an earlier construction.

Structure A10

• Defines the northern boundary of the A Group Ballcourt (Structures A11 and A12). Its earliest construction associated with the earliest floor indicated a Late Preclassic date. The latest material recovered from the floor of the structure is Late to Terminal Classic effigy censors, indicating a long use history.

A Group Ballcourt (Structures A11 and A12)

• Altar 21 centrally placed within the ballcourt

Structure A13

• Associated with Stelae 5, 6, and 7 which originally sat in a line at western front of the structure.
• It was obviously a place of dynastic ritual and potentially accession, as it has 3 stelae along its base. A purposely burned cache was found within the structure, and probably dated to the onset of the Late Classic.
• Three small platforms, and no formally constructed buildings, surmounted this structure in its final form and the structure itself seems to date to the early Late Classic.

B GROUP PLAZA
Caana (B14-B20, B36, B37)

• Caana ("sky-palace") is the largest building at Caracol. It remains one of the largest man-made structures in Belize. It is situated on the north end of the B Group plaza.
• Rebuilt by Lord Water, and tombs were placed in B20 at A.D. 577Modified and inhabited during the Classic and Terminal Classic.
• Major constructions date to the Late 7th century (A.D. 650-696)
• In total it had minimally 71 rooms and at least 45 benches.

Structure B18

• One of the latest constructions on Caana’s summit, it was remodeled by K’inich Toobil Yopaat in the first half of the 9th century, and include stucco references to Papmalil of Ucanal.
• Its latest construction raised the final floor 4m above the previous floor construction. Its rooms resembled a palace structure rather than the expected temple, which is further supported by the lack of axial caches.

Structure B19

• One of the most important structures at Caracol, and the tallest. The large tomb of an elite woman was excavated in 1987; several additional tombs have been found in subsequent excavations. Two reentered tombs under the side rooms indicate continued use of the structure into the Late Classic (past A.D. 700).
• It was originally constructed at the end of the Late Preclassic, and only in the Late Classic was its height raised.
• Painted texts from elite tombs in structures B19 and B20. Earliest known hieroglyphic text associated with a tomb – Structure B20, dates to A.D. 537. One has a painted date that seems to be 9.10.1.12.11 (A.D. 634), and Martin and Grube suggest that it is Lady Batz’ Ek’
• At the foot of the steps to B19 is a giant ajaw altar dedicated to the Bak’tun ending 10.0.0.0.0 7 Ajaw (A.D. 830).

Structures B8 and B9

• Together they create the B Group ballcourt
• A centerline east-west trench was paced in 1986, demonstrating that the court was built in a single construction
• Its markers include BCMs 2, 3, and 4 (see monument list)

Barrio (B21-B26)

• It was undergoing major renovations at the time of abandonment. It is a palace compound which consists of a series of vaulted structures on a raised platform to the east of Caana and the B Plaza.
• Substantial deposits of Terminal Classic ceramics were found between Structures B25 and B26. Excavations into the structure’s core indicate a Late Classic construction with Terminal Classic modification.

Structure B21

• Forms the eastern portion of the Barrio complex, and was originally mapped by Satterthwaite. It is an eight room tandem plan building, and the two rooms facing the courtyard each have benches, but no associated deposits or caches.

Structure B25

• Dominating the eastern edge of the plaza, whose western stair seems to have been remodeled, although there was little evidence of previous construction efforts. Several of its rooms yielded ceramic vessels, burnt surfaces, beads, and benches.

Structure B26

• The tallest building within the Barrio complex, and dominates the northern side of the courtyard. Excavations revealed that the building was never finished, as it was being enlarged at the time of abandonment.

Structure B28

• It is the eastern building on the B Plaza, and is associated with the Terminal Classic Stela 18 and Altar 23. Excavations during the 2002 season revealed that this building was primarily constructed during the latter part of the Late Classic.
• Extensive disarticulated human remains were found to the front of the building’s steps, some of which seems to have been burnt along with the associated floor. These remains date to the Terminal Classic, and represent the remains of 2 to 17 individuals. These bones were directly associated with the fragmented Stela 25, which is suspected to have tumbled down from B28’s summit.

The Northeast Acropolis (B30-B34)

• Directly to the east of Caana, on the north side of a plaza created by Caana to the west and the Barrio palace complex to the east. This structure group atop a large raised platform was occupied from the Late Preclassic through the Terminal Classic, with extensive modification in the later period. The only definite access point is on the western side (presumably with a similar stair on the eastern side) which would have created an intensely restricted plaza space.
• Massive construction during the Late to Terminal Classic raised the plaza over 2m
• A test pit was placed in the center of the plaza revealing an Early Classic cremation dating to A.D. 330 (S.D. C117F-1) which was recovered from a sealed deposit within the central plaza. Twenty ceramic vessels were recovered in various conditions, many being severely burnt, three of which are reminiscent of Teotihuacan style vessels. Six tanged points were recovered warped from the intensity of the fire, along with many other elite goods. A minimum of three individuals were present, although the bones were too badly burnt to identify sex or age.

Structure B30

• One of two range structures that mark the southern edge of the Acropolis (along with Structure B31). Interestingly, there was no access point to the Acropolis between these two structures.

Structure B31

• As pared with B30, probably contained two inset terraced area, yet their function is unknown. There is evidence of a small stairway to the west of this structure which grants access to the Acropolis.

Structure B32

• A range structure (probably consisting of two levels originally) situated on the western edge of the Acropolis plaza. Evidence of extensive burning was found on either side of the stairway which extended into the plaza, as well as along both sides of the terrace facings. While dirt fill contained Late Preclassic through Terminal Classic refuse, there was only one Terminal Classic construction effort.

Structure B33

• The largest construction on the Northeast Acropolis. Containing 8 rooms, there were no vaulted stones recovered, indicating a wooden/perishable roofing structure. An Early Classic tomb (S.D. C181B-1) was found beneath the summit floor containing one adult individual with head to the east. Evidence of Terminal Classic modification and expansion may be contemporaneous with the raising of the plaza. A test-pit in front of the structure recovered a Late Preclassic cache

Structure B34

• The eastern shrine of the complex, was excavated and deposits show a long history, ranging from the Late Preclassic through the Terminal Classic. Several special deposits dating to the Late Classic were found; no late dating royal tombs were recovered (unlike Caana and the Central Acropolis)

C GROUP PLAZA

• Includes the plaza created by Structures B59-B62, B64, and I19-I20. This plaza and the majority of its associated structures date largely to the Late Preclassic based on construction sequencing and mortuary activity.

Structure B59

• A square collapsed stone structure on the northeast corner of the C Group plaza; it was selected for excavation based on its potential as a shrine. It was completely infilled with raised benches, and resembles a sweat house except for the missing ‘firebox’ which would have been set to the rear of the structure.

Structure I20

• Sits atop the eastern end of I19, a long range building making up the northern edge of the plaza group. Built in multiple phases all dating to the Late Classic, it had two distinct buildings. Excavations revealed used into the Terminal Classic, and several caches and burials were also uncovered.

CULEBRAS RESIDENTIAL GROUP

• Located southeast of the South Acropolis, on the eastern side of the Pajaro-Romonal Causeway. Set within a terraced hillside, and was investigated during the 2008-2009 field seasons.

Structure C20

• The northernmost of the plaza group’s two eastern shrines. It contained a Late Classic tomb (S.D. C179B-7) with a narrow stairway created for reentry; this entry way was sealed during the latest construction effort. This entry was used to deposit a total of seven individuals into the tomb. A concentration of smashed ceramic sherds was found directly over the tomb’s axis. The items interred with these individuals indicated access to a variety of prestige goods and tradewares from outside Caracol.

SOUTH ACROPOLIS

• This area was flourishing at the end of the Late Preclassic, and was an area for ritual as evidenced by recovered incensarios. Moving into the Early Classic, it seems to have functioned as an elite residence.

Structure D4

• This structure formed the formal entrance way to the South Acropolis. Heavily burn but fragmentary human remains were uncovered in an excavation of a previous looter’s trench.

Structure D5

• It is the western most of the three small platforms that make up the southern side of the South Acropolis. A line-of-stone building overlaid an earlier eastern facing construction dating to the Late Classic, which in turn overlaid a Preclassic floor.

Structure D7

• This mortuary structure dominates the eastern side of the main interior plaza, and has three substructures. A tomb was found on the western slope which included nine vessels (all of Early Classic date), several Charlie Chaplins, and four limestone bars.

Structure D9

• This structure is the eastern building of the South Acropolis plaza formed by Structures D7, D11, D16, and three small southern platforms. Excavations encountered at least two prior constructions, and the final construction dates to the Late and Terminal Classic.
• A crypt was placed in the front of the final construction, containing two adults and several vessels dating to the Late to Terminal Classic. A crude cist was carved out in front of the lower step of an earlier building phase.

Structure D11

• A large building which forms the western limit of the southeast plaza, and the eastern limit of the southwest plaza of the South Acropolis. It primarily faces the southeast plaza, and probably dates tot eh Late Classic based on limited ceramics.

Structure D12

• Defines the south side of the southwest plaza of the South Acropolis.

Structure D14

• Exists at the western end of the main South Acropolis plaza.

Structure D16

• This structure surmounts the large raised platform that makes us the southern side of the main plaza, and is paired with D17 and D18.
• An excavated burial containing two individuals dating to A.D. 500.

Structure D17

• Several tombs were found by A. H. Anderson during his early excavations, and include several ceramic vessels of a Late Classic date.

Structure D18

• It is the central structure on the platform, and much of it was presumably removed by A. H. Anderson who also seems to have encountered several tombs.

Structure F2

• It is the eastern building of the Northwest Group, and was severely looted prior to 1985. Two secondary burials were found in the core, and two cist burials were located in the plaza directly in front of the structure.
• Painted stucco decoration was found in the western collapse of the building, and two earlier versions of the structure were also encountered.

ALTA/BAJA VISTA RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX

• Situated immediately west of the Northwest Group (Structures F1-F4), and includes Structures F30-F42, and was selected for its occupation by Caracol’s secondary elite. 28 special deposits were uncovered during excavations. Excavations revealed a long history of occupation, dating from the Late Preclassic to the Terminal Classic.

Structure F33

• One of the tallest residential constructions at Caracol, and the tallest building at the Baja/Alta Vista complex. It yielded a large number of Late Classic ritual deposits (3 burials and 12 caches), indicating its importance to the complex.
• Sequencing indicates that this structure was first utilized as a ritual location for Late Preclassic to Early Classic caching practices, and for Late Classic burials.

Structure F36

• On the northern side of the Baja Vista plaza, it had a facing that was evident before excavation. At least two earlier version of the structure were evidenced, yet no deposits were recovered from beneath the building itself. Several burials and caches were recovered from the plaza directly in front of the structure. From ceramic materials it is possible to date the latest version of the structure to the Late Classic.

Structure F39

• The larger of two eastern buildings of Baja Vista and at least four different versions of the building are evident. Two earlier shrines were discovered, and the earlier of the two (S.D. C184B-4) contained a large quantity of ritual ceramics and bone. This earlier shrine was also directly behind a burial (S.D. C184B-7), and directly above a second burial (S.D. C184B-6). In total, three burials, three caches, and a shrine deposit were uncovered, and the majority of these materials date to the Late Classic, one burial dates to the Terminal Classic.

Structure F41

• Located on the southern side of the Baja Vista plaza, this structure is the central building of three low structures. It was shown to be a bi-level building with a northern frontal stoop. Materials were limited, but indicated a Terminal Classic occupation date.

SARAGUATE

• Located in the west-central portion of Map Quad 3I, and is 350m east of the South Causeway and explored during the 1997 field season. One of the largest architectural complexes in the southeast sector and situated within terraces along a small hill that extends west to the South Causeway.
• Extensive looting had cut through at least one tomb, three eastern and one northern building. The backfill from this tomb yielded a Preclassic vessel; further excavations revealed a Late Classic tomb with a single female individual.
• The largest structure is the central east building and also showed extensive looting. Within the looter’s trench were the remains of 3 adults and a partial Early Classic vessel. A two-room tomb was found beneath the stairway, and although looted still revealed four individuals and three Late Classic vessels along with other smaller artifacts. A single Late Classic face cache was found in front of the lower step of the building.
• These excavations indicate occupation dating from the Late Preclassic to at least the Late Classic

RETIRO

• Terminus discovered during the 1991 field season, at which time a large number of looted tombs were also salvaged. The Causeway terminates into a large administrative plaza bordered by low range structures. A second plaza set at the foot of a hill connects is connected by a 30m wide causeway, and contains large pyramids, plain stelae and altars. At the hill’s summit, there is a series of elite plaza groups accessed by a causeway stairway. Salvage work was conducted on the southern building of this group, revealing a tomb which had been decorated with red-line painting.
• These constructions date from the Early and Late Classic.

CEIBA

• Also located during the 1991 field season, the causeway runs past a still functional reservoir, and the terminus is situated on a high hill. Made up of a small group of range buildings, the main plaza area probably served an administrative function. To the south of this group is a larger plaza with sizable pyramids; to the north is an acropolis group. A causeway continues past this terminus and the Guatemalan border, eventually ending at the La Rejolla terminus
• Excavation and salvage work done at this terminus indicated primarily Late Classic dates. The ‘Pescador’ group to the north also yielded Protoclassic and Preclassic ceramics.