Belize

Pulltrouser Swamp

Maya raised-field wetland complex in northern Belize

Location

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Historical Context

About

Pulltrouser Swamp is a wetland area located in northern Belize, between the New River (Belize) and Hondo River (Belize). This area contains numerous archaeological sites belonging to the Maya civilization, the most studied features of which are the raised field structures. Three of these sites, called Raised-Field Site I, Raised-Field Site 2, and Raised-Field site 3, were excavated by archaeologists B.L. Turner and Peter D. Harrison.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Forest disturbance and early maize pollen

c. 2500 BCE

Raised-field use (suggested range)

c. 400 BCE–600 CE

Maize appears (radiocarbon/pollen)

c. 890 cal BP

Groundwater change and agricultural expansion

c. 1500–1300 BCE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Water Management Features

Irrigation Canals
category

Industrial and Craft Structures

WorkshopsToolmakers’ Areas
category

Agricultural and Land Use Features

TerracesField Systems
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesVillages
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial MoundsPollen CoresSoil LayersLandscaped Earthworks
Knowledge Base

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Reference

Details

Country

Belize

Coordinates

18.17° N, -88.57° E