From Councilors to Kings: Recent Research at Kiuic, Yucatan, Mexico

with George J. Bey III, Chisholm Chair in Arts and Sciences, Millsaps College

The Bolonchen Regional Archaeological Project (BRAP) has been carrying out research at the Maya center of Kiuic, in the southern Puuc or Bolonchen Region of Yucatan for over two decades. Kiuic was founded in the early Middle Preclassic (900-700 BC) and continued to be occupied until the Terminal Classic (approximately AD 1000). By AD 600-650 the early Palace, known as the Yaxche Group was taking shape, centered around an Early Puuc Ceremonial Complex (EPCC) with a vaulted popol nah or Council House. The Yaxche Group served as the royal center of Kiuic for the next 150 years undergoing a significant transformation around AD 800 during which time a new Palace took shape west of the early Palace. Although the Kuche/Chulul Palace was mapped and tested over the history of the project, it is only in the last four years it has become the center of attention for the project. Excavations are focused on understanding what we believe to have been the throne room of this new and greatly expanded Palace. Although throne rooms have been defined and studied at other Puuc sites by Tomas Gallareta, the Kiuic throne room is the first to be systematically excavated. This presentation provides an overview of the findings from the excavations of the Kuche/Chulul Palace within the context of our regional study of Puuc archaeology and the development of socio-political organization in the Late and Terminal Classic Period (AD 600-1000). We believe our efforts are making an important contribution to the understanding of Late/Terminal Classic Maya society in the Puuc as well as the function of so-called Maya Palaces.

George_Bey
George J. Bey III, Ph, D.,
is Professor of Anthropology, Associate Dean of International Education, and Chisholm Foundation Chair in Arts and Sciences, Millsaps College, Jackson, MS. He is a National Geographic Explorer and has been featured in the recent National Geographic documentary “Quest for the Lost Maya.” For almost a katun, Bey has served as co-director of the Bolonchen Regional Archaeological Project, exploring the rise and fall of the Maya at the ancient city of Kiuic. Join us for what should prove to be an excellent and informative program!