Early Maya chert caching documented through archaeological geophysics at Cahal Pech, Belize

Emma Messinger; Bryan Hanks; Marc Bermann; Jaime J. Awe; Claire Ebert

doi:10.15184/aqy.2026.10314

Early Maya chert caching documented through archaeological geophysics at Cahal Pech, Belize

Emma Messinger
, Bryan Hanks
, Marc Bermann
, Jaime J. Awe
, Claire Ebert

Anthropology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

A geophysical survey at Cahal Pech, Belize, identified one of the earliest securely dated lithic caches from the Maya lowlands. Linked to Middle Preclassic (800–400 cal BC) monumental architecture and communal ceremonial events, this find demonstrates the effectiveness of gradiometry for detecting ritual deposits.

Original language	English (US)
Article number	e33
Journal	Antiquity
Volume	100
Issue number	411
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2026.10314
State	Published - Jun 1 2026

Keywords

Central America
Preclassic Maya
gradiometry
radiocarbon dating

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Archaeology
General Arts and Humanities

Access to Document

10.15184/aqy.2026.10314

Cite this

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abstract = "A geophysical survey at Cahal Pech, Belize, identified one of the earliest securely dated lithic caches from the Maya lowlands. Linked to Middle Preclassic (800–400 cal BC) monumental architecture and communal ceremonial events, this find demonstrates the effectiveness of gradiometry for detecting ritual deposits.",

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AU - Ebert, Claire

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © The Author(s), 2026.

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N2 - A geophysical survey at Cahal Pech, Belize, identified one of the earliest securely dated lithic caches from the Maya lowlands. Linked to Middle Preclassic (800–400 cal BC) monumental architecture and communal ceremonial events, this find demonstrates the effectiveness of gradiometry for detecting ritual deposits.

AB - A geophysical survey at Cahal Pech, Belize, identified one of the earliest securely dated lithic caches from the Maya lowlands. Linked to Middle Preclassic (800–400 cal BC) monumental architecture and communal ceremonial events, this find demonstrates the effectiveness of gradiometry for detecting ritual deposits.

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KW - Preclassic Maya

KW - gradiometry

KW - radiocarbon dating

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UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105032157459#tab=citedBy

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Early Maya chert caching documented through archaeological geophysics at Cahal Pech, Belize

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Access to Document

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