New Thoughts on the Maya City of Kiuic

Archaeology ^ | Tuesday, January 08, 2013 | unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

A pyramid at the Maya city of Kiuic in Yucatan Peninsula started out as a ceremonial platform in 700 B.C., much earlier than previously thought, according to George Bey of Millsaps College. Many scholars think that the Maya collapse was caused by long-term drought and the depletion of natural resources, but Kiuic seems to have been abandoned rapidly around 880 A.D. Bey and Tomas Gallareta Negron of Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History have found evidence that the residents left behind their grinding stones and other valuable kitchen tools, along with the remains of ancestors. “These were the Maya middle class, and they were doing well,” Bey said.

[SunkenCiv]

Pyramid at Kiuic -- Uploaded on Jul 26, 2009 -- George Bey comments on the field work on the pyramid at Kiuic in Yucatan. The field season wrapped up last week. This is raw footage shot last Wednesday morning, July 22, 2009. Posted by Producer Lida Gibson and shot by cinematographer Don Warren.

[SunkenCiv]

Can’t excerpt this one, there’s a nice photo here:

Maya ‘fat god’ platter found in ruins
http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/vergano/2013/01/04/maya-kiuic-fat-god/1807841/

[SunkenCiv]

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[freedumb2003]

There is so much archeaological work to be done around ALL of Mexico’s ruins. It is amazing when you walk through Chichen Itza, Coba, Teotihuacan, El Tajin and the like that there are hundreds of mounds that represent more to be dug and discovered.

And no, I am not dropping names like a big time traveler. These are all big ticket tourist destinations that many Americans visit all the time. I am pretty sure everyone here at FR knows I go to Mexico a lot because my wife is Mexican, it is pretty inexpensive to go there, and it is really close.

[married21]

How safe is it? I have a friend who has invited us to her place in San Felipe (Baja), and I would love to go, but it’s not safe for a family to drive down there, is it?

[freedumb2003]

>>How safe is it? I have a friend who has invited us to her place in San Felipe (Baja), and I would love to go, but it’s not safe for a family to drive down there, is it?<<

Frankly, Baja or anywhere near the border is bad news. The open highway down there is an open invitation for Narcos or police (infrequently one and the same on the Frontera).

I used to drive in Mexico for long distances. Nowadays I don’t. My wife reads the daily paper in Mexico and thing are still to Wild West.

Once you get TO Resort areas (like the ones I listed and that includes the nice ones in Baja like Cabo), you are good. The local police chiefs are under HUGE scrutiny from all levels of government up to the feds to make sure the Gringo money machine keeps running.

So few NorteAmericanos drive in MX it is all but ignored.

Fly to the place or get a well-known tour company to bus you there (and even then hide your valuables).

DO NOT DRIVE INTO (much less through) MEXICO!!!!

And this is from my wife!!! Last 4 or 5 times I went, all tours, no rental car.

[freedumb2003]

” (infrequently one and the same on the Frontera).”

I meant FREQUENTLY one and the same on the Frontera. Even spellcheck can be jumped by the Narcos!

[blam]

"There is so much archeaological work to be done around ALL of Mexico’s ruins. It is amazing when you walk through Chichen Itza, Coba, Teotihuacan, El Tajin and the like that there are hundreds of mounds that represent more to be dug and discovered."

I agree with you...I used to go 'traisping' through those jungles every year. I suspect I saw things that have yet to be 'discovered.' It is amazing at the amount of ruins still hidden in the jungles.

BTW, there are more pyramids in Mexico than all the rest of the world combined.

[married21]

Thanks for the lowdown. Bummer. A car trip would have been by far the most affordable option, but not if it is not safe.

[razorback-bert]

I have been to close to 40 Mayan ruins and am going to a newly opened one in Belize in two weeks. They keep finding them faster than I can visit.

I use to drive off the beaten path to see things, but no more and I use to wander all over the tourist towns, now I stick to the main streets. I probaly won’t even leave the tourist trap in Cozmuel this time.

[freedumb2003]

>> Bummer. A car trip would have been by far the most affordable option, but not if it is not safe.<<

It is painful (and the Mexican government knows it but has no idea what to do about it).

My wife and frequently talk about how much we liked our driving trips on the Yucatan Peninsula which gave us OUR timeline, not some tour operator or driving the beautiful drive between Monterrey and Real de Catorce (where they filmed “The Mexican.”). Even her PARENTS won’t do that.

Sorry if I blew your plans, but you are safer for it. Maybe you can meet your friends in San Diego? There are beautiful camp sites near Capistrano that are pretty inexpensive and have everything you could want except cheap seafood and authentic Huevos Rancheros.

[freedumb2003]

>>I probaly won’t even leave the tourist trap in Cozmuel this time.<<

Unless you are a dive-jockey, may I suggest the cheaper tourist trap of Playa del Carmen? Cozumel has nothing to offer you can’t get for 2/3 the price in PdC.

Even a ferry-supplied island economy is still an island economy. I love visiting Cozumel, but the cheaper ferry from the mainland way.

I see you, too, have seen you just can’t tramp in Mexico anymore.

Damn sad. Maybe the new President can do something. The last 2 failed MISERABLY on controlling the gangs control outside of populated areas (and Mexico City and Monterrey are fighting to hang in there).

The new guy is PRI — maybe he can just buy them off like the last PRItista did...

If you get a few minutes can you please post here (if appropriate since we have hijacked this to “Travel in Mexico and Central America!” thread) or PM me about Belize? Mrs. FD and I are planning that for next year and have been talking about it for years.

[freedumb2003]

>>BTW, there are more pyramids in Mexico than all the rest of the world combined<<

I was in Chechen Itza for the end of the world on 12/21/12 (next up: 26,000 years from now so plan accordingly).

It was mostly a crowded mess ‘o hippies. But a lot fun with dancing and singing and people “absorbing energy” like the opening of the movie “Hair.” Mrs. FD and I are glad we went (and yes we got the T-shirts).

The World didn’t end but when I asked for my money back I kept hearing something like “New ablu en-glaze.”

[freedumb2003]

OOps — that was blam going to Belize, right?

Same request... :)

[blam]

"I use to drive off the beaten path to see things, but no more and I use to wander all over the tourist towns, now I stick to the main streets. I probaly won’t even leave the tourist trap in Cozmuel this time."

I haven't been in over 20 years.

[razorback-bert]

This will be my second trip to Belize on a cruise, two years ago I went to far northeast to visit a ruin. This time, I going on boat along the coast then up a river to the ruins. Belize City was dirty and poor, the countryside was nice with lots of ex pats houses.

[blam]

"OOps — that was blam going to Belize, right?"

Nope, not me...I never went to Belize.

[blam]

Go See the Belize sinkhole.

[caveat emptor]

Check out COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY & JAGUAR PRESERVE if you get the chance:
The park area is rich in beauty, wildlife and even Maya culture; a well concealed minor Maya ceremonial site known as Chucil Baluum is typical of the Classic Period The Cockscomb Mountain Range towers over the basin to the north. The highest mountain in Belize, Victoria Peak at 3,675 feet presides over the range and offers, in its largely unexplored reaches, chances for unrivaled exploration and adventure. The fine and abundant stands of mahogany and cedar have historically been in demand throughout this area and logging here provided a staple of Belize's economy for many years. Not likely to see one of these though.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks!