Our mission is to coordinate efforts Foundation for Maya Cultural and provide resources to identify, and Natural Heritage lead, and promote projects that protect and maintain the cultural Fundación Patrimonio Cultural y Natural Maya and natural heritage of . 2 # nombre de sección

“What is in play is immense” HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco

he is located in the heart of the Selva Maya, the Maya Jungle. It is an ecological treasure that covers one fifth of Guatemala’s landmass (21,602 Tsquare kilometers). Much of the area remains intact. It was established to preserve—for present and future generations— one of the most spectacular areas of natural and cultural heritage in the world.

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is Guatemala’s last stronghold for large-bodied, wide-ranging endangered species, including the , puma, tapir, and black howler monkey. It also holds the highest concentration of Maya ruins. Clockwise from bottomleft José Pivaral (President of Pacunam), Prince Albert II of Monaco (sponsor), Mel Gibson (sponsor), Richard Hansen (Director of Mirador The year 2012 marks the emblematic change of an era in the ancient calendar of the Maya. This Archaeological Project) at momentous event has sparked global interest in environmental and cultural issues in Guatemala. After decades of hard work by archaeologists, environmentalists, biologists, epigraphers, and other scientists dedicated to understanding the ancient , the eyes of the whole Pacunam Overview and Objectives 2 world are now focused on our country.

Maya Biosphere Reserve 4 This provides us with an unprecedented opportunity to share with the world our pressing cause: Why is it important? the Maya Biosphere Reserve is in great danger. Forest fires, drug trafficking, , new settlements, wildlife poaching, and archaeological looting present relentless threats to the Search for the Snake Kingdom 18 biosphere’s environmental and cultural richness. Threats to the Maya Biosphere Reserve 22 Pacunam, whose members include leading companies operating in Guatemala, was founded in 2006 to help save and protect Guatemala’s cultural and natural heritage for the benefit of future Strategic Approach 24 Our key archaeological projects generations. We are committed and determined to safeguard our Maya legacy. El Mirador 26 El Perú Waka’ 28 We face many challenges. The most urgent is funding. Sak Nikte’ 30 32 We invite you to join us in the effort to preserve this extraordinary legacy and, by so doing, to Pa’chan 34 invest in the understanding of the Maya’s mystical civilization for the sake of all humanity. 36 38 José Pivaral Allies in Conservation 40 President of Pacunam

Cover photos: Danta Temple, Christian Ziegler. Waka’ queen, Jennie Guerra # nombre de sección 3 Photo: Giovani Bojorquez Photo:

Join us as we climb the awe-inspiring temples of the Maya world, in the heart of one of the last and best preserved in the Americas. 4 # nombre de sección Pacunam Overview Photo: Christian Ziegler Photo:

Top of La Danta Temple, El Mirador Pacunam 5 Our Corporate Partners

Pacunam was founded in 2006 to help save and conserve Guatema- la’s cultural and natural heritage for the benefi t of future generations. Leading corporations operating in Guatemala have joined Pacunam in its efforts to preserve the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR).

Pacunam builds public-private partnerships with the Guatemalan government and prominent global organizations. In the MBR, Pacunam works to support the development of high-impact projects by collaborating with local communities, archaeologists, non-profi t organizations, and governmental agencies.

Our Objectives Photo: FARES Photo: Photo: J. Devine J. Photo: Photo : Roberto Quesada Photo :

Archaeologist cleans temple steps at Mirador School children whose parents work with tourists Toucan at Waka’ Maya exhibit at Quai Branly Museum in Paris

Provide Develop Support Encourage fi nancial support for the study the Carmelita-Mirador route as a the project Conservation Incentive international cultural exchanges of strategic archaeological sites sustainable tourist circuit to provide Program in local communities, in through events, seminars, within the Maya Biosphere revenue for local communities. order to make conser- conferences, workshops, Reserve in order to protect it as an vation a viable choice for users of and exhibits. ecological and cultural system. local resources. 6 # nombre de sección Photo : Christian Ziegler Photo : The Maya Biosphere Reserve Why is it important?

Global significance due to its size, biodiversity, and cultural treasures # nombre de sección 7 MAYA REGION IN North America Area populated by the Ancient Maya Atlantic 2000 BCE – 1000 CE Ocean

Selva Maya Pacifi c South Ocean America Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR)

Major Maya cities Minor Maya cities International borders Caribbean Sea Selva Maya BCE = Before Common Era (BC) CE = Common Era (AD)

Selva Maya The largest intact north of the Amazon basin

Comprises 31,000 km2 Located in Guatemala, Mexico and Belize

N

Guatemala

S

Pacific Ocean

Sources: VH Ramos / WCS Guatemala and Carlos Morales Aguilar 8 The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important?

The Maya Biosphere Reserve, located in the heart Maya Biosphere Reserve of the “Selva Maya” is an ecological treasure that covers one fifth of Guatemala’s landmass. National Park Large areas containing priority ecosystems With much of the area remaining intact, it covers and iconic landscapes a total area of 21,602 square kilometers. Peten Biotope Areas of smaller size that protect natural The reserve was established on February features of interest, with potential for education, 5th, 1990 by the Congress of Guatemala, recreation, and low impact tourism to guarantee, for present and future Guatemala generations, the existence of one of Mexico the most spectacular areas of natural and cultural heritage in the world.

Naachtun El Mirador Dos Lagunas El Mirador Río Azul Río Azul Photo: Roberto Quesada Photo:

Río Escondido

San Miguel La Palotada El Zotz Belize

Yaxha-- Sierra del Buffer zone Lacandón

N Flores

Peten S

Source: CONAP (Ateles geoffroyi) Spider monkey

Photo : Christian Ziegler Photo : Juan Carlos Menéndez 10 The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important?

Guatemala’s last stronghold for large- bodied, wide-ranging endangered species: Photo: Jean Carneiro jaguar, puma, white-lipped peccary, tapir and Guatemalanblack howler monkey Photo: Christian Ziegler Photo:

Baird´s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) IUCN* Conservation Status Guatemalan Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) IUCN* Conservation Status Baird’s tapirs are found in isolated populations from Mexico to EX Extint This howler monkey is endemic to the largest tropical rain EX Extint Colombia. They inhabit in marsh-swamp areas and wet tropical forest region of Mesoamerica, the Selva Maya. It is one of the rainforests; food and water availability are important factors CR Critically Endangered largest monkeys in the Americas. They live in groups of 4 to 11 CR Critically Endangered in habitat selection. They are the largest native terrestrial individuals and the sex ratio is almost equal. Groups consist of mammals in the Neotropics. Due to their large body size they EN Endangered one dominant alpha male, a few females, their offspring, and EN Endangered have difficulty dissipating heat; nocturnal behavior is thought VU Vulnerable occasionally extra males. VU Vulnerable to be an adaptation to avoid the hottest times of the day. They are important for the role they play in seed dispersal; They are largely solitary animals and are normally found at NT Near Threatened NT Near Threatened their frugivorous diet helps disperse the seeds of many low densities. Tapirs are important seed dispersers and are Least Concern rainforest plants. Humans have been known to illegally capture Least Concern also used as an indicator species of the tropical forest health. LC LC individuals for pets and occasionally for food. They have been Their major predators are humans. The species is listed as an listed by the IUCN as an endangered species since 2003. endangered by the IUCN.

* The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red List Categories and Criteria are intended to be an easily and widely understood system for classifying species at high risk of global extinction. The system divides threatened species into three categories: 1. Critically Endangered (CR), 2. Endangered (E), 3. Vulnerable (VU). It also lists Documented Extinctions (EX), and lower risk taxa divided into two sucategories: Near Threatened (NT) and Least Concern (LC). The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important? 11 Photos: La Ruta Maya Foundation Photos:

Jaguar (Panthera onca) IUCN* Conservation Status Animals were an important part of The jaguar is the largest cat that inhabits the Americas. are Maya iconography and often represented EX Extint top predators and are considered a keystone species because of their gods, the underworld, or supernatural powers. impact on the populations of other animals in the ecosystem. CR Critically Endangered Zoomorphic depictions such as jaguars, Humans are the primary predators of jaguars, victims of illegal monkeys, and frogs dominate polychrome EN Endangered poaching for their pelts, paws, and teeth. The species is currently ceramic images and may display human or classified by the IUCN as Near Threatened, facing serious threats VU Vulnerable animal characteristics. Maya art also had many because of habitat destruction and direct hunting due to their representations of birds, serpents, crocodiles, interaction with domestic animals and cattle. NT Near Threatened or deer, revealing the importance of animals in their daily life. The Maya Biosphere Reserve has been identified by the Wildlife LC Least Concern Conservation Society’s Jaguar Conservation Program as the For the Maya, the jaguar was believed to largest Jaguar Conservation Unit (JCU) Type 1 in Mesoamerica: facilitate communication between the living an area with a stable community of prey, known to contain a large and the dead. They saw these powerful felines enough resident population of jaguars (at least 50 reproductive as their companions in the spiritual world, a individuals) to be potentially self-sustaining for the next 100 years. symbol of strength and courage. 12 # nombre de sección Photo: Chris Packham / WCS Guatemala / Chris Packham Photo:

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)

The last refuge of the Scarlet Macaw in Guatemala The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important? 13 Photos 3, 5: Roberto Quesada 5: Photos 3, Photos 1, 2, 4: Christian Ziegler 4: 2, Photos 1,

1 2 3

The MBR supports one of the highest levels of

endemism worldwide — ranging from 3.8% for bird species to 28.9% for amphibian species.

During the Northern Hemisphere’s winter, millions

Photo: Juan Carlos Menéndez Photo: of migratory birds take shelter here.

The MBR contains at least twenty types of forest, with hundreds of tree species including mahogany, ceiba, and Spanish cedar.

3,000 vascular plants 4 300 species of trees

800 vertebrate species

500 bird species

1 Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) 2 Yucatan Banded Gecko (Coleonyx elegans) 3 White Fronted Parrot (Amazona albifrons) 4 Central American Tree Snake (Imantodes gemmistratus) 5 White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica) 6 Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata)

5 6 14 The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important?

The Maya Biosphere Reserve holds a remarkable 569.5 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important? 15

The Maya Biosphere Reserve serves as a source of water for the surrounding communities and as a major carbon sink for the entire planet, in addition to conserving biodiversity. Photos: Juan Carlos Menéndez Photos: As part of the largest wilderness area in Mesoamerica, the Maya Biosphere Reserve is of great environmental value and has a significant influence on climate change. 16 The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important?

Maya cities in the Maya Biosphere Reserve

National Park Rivers N Biotope Lakes Cultural Monument Major Maya cities Buffer zone Minor Maya cities Mexico S

This unique area is one of mankind’s most important archaeological treasures and includes some of the largest pyramids by volume in the world.

Belize

The highest concentration Flores of Ancient Maya Cities

Peten

Source: CONAP / IDAEH Photo: José Hosttas

# nombre de sección 17

Temple I, Tikal West wall mural, Photo: National Geographic Photo: Photo: CONAP Photo: Ricky López

Belize

Red Hands Temple, -Nakum-Naranjo Structure A-2, Photo: J.C. Menéndez J.C. Photo:

Outstanding sites in the Maya Biosphere Reserve • Tikal • Río Azul • Waka’

Photo: J.C. Menéndez J.C. Photo: • El Mirador • Piedras Negras • La Corona • • Naachtun • Yaxha • • El Zotz • San Bartolo

Tomb I, Río Azul Structure 34, El Mirador 18 The Maya Biosphere reserve. why is it important?

400 BCE Home of the earliest cities of the Maya civilization 800 BCE

Thousands of archaeological sites, dating from 1000 BCE to 1000 CE 350 BCE 150 CE

Attracts tourists from 150 CE around the globe 800 BCE El Mirador 150 CE

300 BCE Believed to have been Kan Kingdom cities 1000 BCE Nakbe Cities located in the Maya Biosphere Reserve

800 BCE Cival 200 CE

800 BCE Holmul

900 BCE 2000 BCE 1000 BCE 350 BCE 250 CE

Early Preclassic Middle Preclassic Late Preclassic

-2000 -1900 -1800 -1700 -1600 -1500 -1400 -1300 -1200 -1100 -1000 -900 -800 -700 -600 -500 -400 -300 -200 -100 100 200

3100 BCE Mesopotamia 332 BCE Birth of Jesus Christ

2600 BCE Indus Valley 1700 BCE 800 BCE Ancient Greece 146 BCE

1100 BCE Olmec 500 BCE 4500 BCE Ancient China 1500 BCE 753 BCE Ancient Rome

3000 BCE Ancient Egypt 332 BCE # nombre de sección 19

El Peru - Waka’ 900 CE Maya Civilization Tikal 900 CE Timeline

250 CE La Corona 900 CE

Naachtun 950 CE

Uaxactun 950 CE

400 CE 900 CE 1250 CE

250 CE El Zotz 900 CE

Conquest of 800 CE Guatemala (1523 CE)

1,000 CE 250 CE 500 CE 950 CE 1250 CE 1550 CE Early Late Classic Middle Late Early Classic Postclassic Postclassic Postclassic 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1697 Other Major Columbus arrives in the World Americas (1492 CE) Cultures

350 CE Byzantine Empire 950 CE 1200 CE Aztec 1520 CE

400 CE

1470 CE Inca 1535 CE 20 # nombre de sección Search for the Snake Kingdom Photo: Photo:

Panel I, La Corona Search for the Snake Kingdom 21 Photo : Roberto Quesada Photo :

Kan , La Muerta

The Kan emblem glyph represents the head of a snake El Tigre complex, El Mirador

Days of Glory The great advances in Maya and The presence of the snake emblem glyph over epigraphy reveal how much more we have to dis- such a territorial expanse points to the impor- cover and understand about this complex civiliza- tance of the Kan Kingdom. It is widely accepted tion. that it was the closest the Maya came to creating In recent years academic experts have focused an empire. on the history of the most successful of the Maya According to ancient Maya texts found on ceram- political states. The Kan Kingdom, named Kan (or ics and stone monuments, the Kan Kingdom con- Kan’al) by the Maya themselves, means “serpent,” trolled most of the region of Petén and southern and was identifi ed in the Classic period by its “em- , Mexico, for almost two hundred years blem glyph” representing the head of a snake. (sixth and seventh centuries CE). Inscriptions also suggest that its dynasty traced its roots back sev- Since epigraphers fi rst noted the existence of the King of Waka’ Kan Kingdom at the end of the 1970s, it has be- eral centuries into the Preclassic period to the Found in Burial 39 at come a key area of interest for many experts. Its very beginning of Maya civilization. The Kan King- Waka’, along with 22 other dom rose to power in the lowland jungles as the ceramic fi gurines. These snake emblem is the glyph with the widest distri- fi gurines represent the bution in the entire Maya Lowlands. fi rst cities were being built by the Maya. king and the queen with their entire royal court. 22 Search for the Snake Kingdom

With the rise of El Mirador and its many neighbor- The unprecedented success of the Kan Kingdom ing centers in the heart of the Maya Biosphere finally ended when it was defeated twice by a Reserve, we see the development of the first fortified Tikal in 695 and 743 CE. Fragmented, it centralized state of the ancient Maya. In fact, it managed to survive until the end of the ninth is possible that this early state was the great Kan century CE. But like all of the Classic Maya cities, Kingdom itself. it faded away abandoned and hidden under the After dominating the Petén region during the jungles of Petén. Late Preclassic period (ca. 150 CE), the monu- mental center of El Mirador was abandoned in the second century CE; soon thereafter, Tikal be- came the principle of the Early Classic period. During this period, the Kan Kingdom was seated at the distant site of (, Mexico), and then later moved to (Campeche, Mexico). Rivalry between Tikal and the Snake Kingdom grew as both cities expanded their domains. The inevitable clash between these titans started as series of confrontations during the sixth century CE. The Kan Kingdom’s aggressive diplomatic and military policies soon gained it numerous al- lies who helped it defeat Tikal several times and con- solidate the most extensive state in all of Classic Maya history. The long reach of the dominance of the Snake kings was proclaimed in the monuments at Calakmul and in inscriptions by vassal kings of its allied cities.

Structure I, Nakbe Juan Carlos Menéndez Photo: # nombre de sección 23 Palatial scene on a polychrome vase depicts what appears to be Ta Ye ‘Chan K’inich, governor of Motul de San José, sitting on a throne, accompanied by two members of his court. According to researchers he appears in several painted vases found at different Maya Lowland sites. (Late Classic) Photo: La Ruta Maya Foundation Photo: 24 # nombre de sección Photo: Giovani Bojorquez Photo: Threats to the Maya Biosphere Reserve

Growing threats to the Maya Biosphere Reserve underscore the urgency of promoting archaeological investigations to understand the historical development of the Kan Kingdom

At least 20% of forest lost in the last twenty years 25

The Maya Biosphere Reserve is in danger Human activity presents severe threats to its environmental and cultural richness . . . drug trafficking, illegal logging and ranching, illegal road construction, new settlements, wildlife poaching, archaeological looting, and other associated and opportunistic criminal activity.

Jaguars are brutally killed for their pelts WCS-Guatemala Photo: Photo : Roberto Quesada Photo : Photo: Juan Carlos Menéndez Photo:

Destrucion in structures caused by looters Poaching of endangered species 15,000 hectares of forest destroyed by fires every year Looting Poaching Fire The information we need is Puts endangered species Destroys what is left of the tropical forest, destroyed under more stress along with wildlife and archeological treasures 26

Structure 34 Strategic Approach

Pacunam works closely with highly effective organizations that can provide fi nancial support Before Today and share technical expertise, best practices, and other resources to save the Maya Biosphere Reserve and all that it contains.

Pacunam and its partners are working to . . . Protect intact areas and restore degraded ones

Create economic incentive programs to increase the quality of life of local communities Before Today and enlist them as allies

Promote transparent management of the Maya Biosphere Reserve and support governance mechanisms that enhance conservation

Support archaeological work in the Kan Kingdom

Three strategic areas Archaeological research Conservation of the environment Development of sustainable economic activities

Danta Before Today Photos at left restoration and consolidation projects at El Mirador Strategic Approach 27

Creating a defensive shield against encroachment through high-profile human activity

Support for archaeological projects The Maya Biosphere Reserve is a tantalizing prize for those engaged in illegal human Mexico Burial 24, Waka’ activities . . . Maya ruins for looters, jungles fi lled with hardwoods for wildcat loggers, El Mirador Naachtun virgin land for squatters, new domains for Naachtun-Dos Lagunas Mirador-Río Azul drug traffi ckers. Mirador-Río Azul Biotope National Park National Park

Archaeological projects are proving to be a key component in holding the line. La Corona Cival Pacunam is concentrating its support on Río Escondido Laguna del Tigre sites that contribute to a defensive human Biotope National Park shield because of the worldwide attention their discoveries attract and their geographic location on Guatemala’s MBR frontier. Waka’ San Miguel La Palotada Biotope Tikal Holmul San Pedro River National Park El Zotz

Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park

Buffer zone Sierra del Lacandón National Lake Petén Itzá Park Flores Areas in the MBR affected by fi res in the past 10 years

12 times 1 time

Pacunam key archaeological projects Petén

Source: CONAP 28 Preserving the Kan Kingdom

El Mirador Original name: unknown Emblem glyph

Project director Dr. Richard Hansen Idaho State University

The Danta complex is the largest pyramidal construction ever built by the Maya, 300 meters wide, 600 meters long and 72 meters tall. Also it is one of the largest structures in the ancient world in terms of volume. The fi rst platform is equivalent to seventeen football fi elds. Photo: Roberto Quesada Photo: # nombre de sección 29

The largest of cities, it was the El Mirador has been studied for more than 30 first regional state to emerge in the Petén forests. years. The work of Richard Hansen has highlighted the importance of El Mirador both as evidence of a It is located at the southern edge of a karstic fully developed Preclassic Maya civilization and as

elevation called the Central Yucatan Plateau and one of the best preserved natural areas within the Rutledge T.W. / FARES Painting: known as “The ,” which is filled with Maya Biosphere Reserve. swamp lands that provided the rich soil that once sustained thousands of farmers. Recent excavations have uncovered a unique stucco frieze that depicts the watery underworld, The population was controlled by a central au- including one of the earliest depictions of the hero thority that resided in El Mirador and neighboring twins of the . cities (Nakbe, Tintal, Wakna, Xulnal), as well as in many secondary centers. Juan Carlos Menéndez Photo:

Monumental causeways were built to connect these centers, reflecting the huge labor force con- trolled by El Mirador’s rulers.

Early divine kings also built massive pyramids, considered the largest building complexes con- FARES Photo : structed by the Maya: Danta Complex, El Tigre, Cascabel, Monos, León, and the Acropolis.

Classic period inscriptions suggest that El Mira- dor could have been the origin and first capital of If you look at this photo closely you will notice a the Kan Kingdom, one of the most important politi- straight line of higher trees defining what was a Restauration process of hero cal entities of Maya history. causeway that connected building complexes and twins stucco frieze (shown below) cities, now covered by nature.

Photo : Roberto Quesada 30 Preserving the Kan Kingdom

El Perú Original name: Waka’ Emblem glyph Photo: Jennie Guerra Photo:

Project director Dr. David Freidel Washington University of St. Louis

The fi gurine of the queen found in Burial 39 depicts a young woman who, like other human fi gures found with her, lacks eyes because she is in the supernatural world. She will be able to see through a magical shawl that has eyes on it. Five of these shawls are carried by women participating in the ritual. She has a green royal insignia jewel in her crown that depicts the God. She is carrying a battle shield on her left arm, showing that she is a warrior queen, but this shield is actually a divining mirror for casting lots and predicting the future. # nombre de sección 31

El Perú-Waka’ is located near the San Pedro River, from the Kan Kingdom alliance period, including which was the most important communication one of a queen (Burial 8). route connecting the and the with central Petén to the west. Another royal tomb (Burial 39) from the same period contained an exceptional offering of clay The city, originally called Waka’, was inhabited figurines that represent the king, the queen, and during the Classic period, between the third and their entire royal court. ninth centuries CE. Archaeological Waka’ Project Photos:

Polychrome vessel, Burial 24, found in Structure Its significance lies in its alliances with the two 014-04 during the excavations in 2004 most powerful Classic kingdoms: Tikal and the Kan Kingdom.

Waka’ was an important ally of Tikal in the first half of the Classic period. However, during the ex- pansion of the Kan Kingdom (seventh century CE), the king K’inich B’ahlam married a princess from Tikal’s rival Calakmul. This alliance would result in a period of prosperity for Waka’.

Excavations led by Freidel and Dr. Héctor Escobedo (Universidad de San Carlos de Guate- mala) have uncovered extraordinary royal tombs

Above photo: Stelae 15 and 16 Stela 15 narrates the arrival to the city of war leader Sihyaj K’ahk’s in 378 CE, one week before he conquered Tikal. Stela 16 is the only documented portrait of the conqueror.

Royal court figurines, Burial 39 32 Preserving the Kan Kingdom

La Corona Original name: Sak Nikte’ Toponym glyph Photo : David Stuart Photo :

Project director Dr. Marcello Canuto Tulane University

Panel 1 detail K’inich [?] Yook, Governor of La Corona, 677 CE # nombre de sección 33 Photo: Cristina Guirola Photo:

This comparatively small site is located 27 kilo- Photo: Tomás Barrientos Tomás Photo: meters north of Waka’ and west of the higher karstic plateau of El Mirador, at the edge of the swampy wet- lands of the Laguna del Tigre National Park.

Heavily looted in the 1960’s, many of its finely carved sculptures ended up in private collections and art museums throughout the world. The prove- nance of the sculptures was lost and, for a long time, they pointed to a lost Maya city dubbed “Site Q.” Excavation of Structure 13R-10 With the discovery of a well preserved hiero- glyphic panel in 2005, Sak Nikte’ was finally proven to be the long lost “Site Q.” This proves the importance of marriage alliances during the Classic period and points to the strategic La Corona was one of the Kan Kingdom’s most importance of La Corona during the expansion of the faithful and important allies. As a consequence, the Kan Kingdom in the seventh century CE. high quality inscriptions from La Corona have pro- vided invaluable information about the Kan Kingdom, Recent investigations directed by Canuto and including the fact that local kings of Sak Nikte’ mar- Dr. Tomás Barrientos (Universidad del Valle de Gua- ried three princesses from the powerful capital of temala) have begun to help scholars understand how Calakmul. the Kan Kingdom went about expanding its domain.

“Laguna Curvada” on the north side of La Corona. The city is surrounded by numerous bodies of water like this one, which could have played an important role, such as a and spondylus shell offerings, Burial 3, defensive barrier. Structure 13Q-3, Main Plaza Buryal ??

Photo: Tomás Barrientos 34 Preserving the Kan Kingdom

Naachtun Original name: unknown Emblem glyph: unknown Photo : Project Naachtun Photo :

Project directors Dr. Dominique Michelet and Dr. Philippe Nondedeo CNRS / University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne

Restoration of the main facade of Structure XXV by San Carlos University students. Naachtun 35

Although the site of Naachtun has been known since 1922, it has only been under excavation since 2004 (originally under the direction of Kathryn Reese- Taylor of Calgary University and Ernesto Arredondo of La Trobe University).

The site is located in a very important and remote part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, which rendered it vulnerable to looters for decades.

It was given the name Naachtun, which means “distant stone,” by ; however, its original name is still unknown, which is a focus of the current project.

During the beginning of the Classic period, after the abandonment of El Mirador (just a few miles to the west), it became an important center in the northern Petén.

The monumentality of its buildings and the large number of carved stelae tell us that Naachtun was prominent in the region and played a key role dur- ing the conflict between Tikal and the Kan Kingdom. Two anthropomorphic whistles Its location midway between the two rivals Late Classic (600–900 CE) may have allowed it to maintain political neutrality. It also may have taken sides at certain times. Unfortu- nately, so far the poor state of the inscriptions have made precise historical interpretation difficult.

The excavations are carried out in collaboration

with Carlos Morales Aguilar (San Carlos University of Claudine Escobar Photos: Guatemala).

Miniature vessel with shell beads Late Classic (600–900 CE) 36 Preserving the Kan Kingdom

El Zotz Original name: Pa’ chan Emblem glyph Photo: A. A. Rubinstein Photo:

Project director Edwin Román, MA University of Texas

Stucco mask inside El Diablo Solar Structure (Temple F8-1) El Zotz 37

The site is located just 20 km west of Tikal and occupation dates mostly to the Classic period.

Inscriptions found in different cities indicate

their close affiliation with El Zotz, as well as a politi- Ronny Mejía Photo : cal alliance with the Kan Kingdom.

During the expansion of the Kan Kingdom, El Zotz seems to have been a vassal to Waka’, making it a stra- tegic center due to its proximity to Tikal.

Recent excavations led by Dr. Stephen Houston (Brown University) have uncovered an early royal tomb in the pyramid known as “El Diablo,” richly decorated with stucco masks and friezes. Photo: A. A. Rubinstein Photo:

Stela 4

Natural karstic wall 38 Preserving the Kan Kingdom

Cival Original name: unknown Emblem glyph: unknown Photos: Holmul Archaeological Project Holmul Photos:

Project director Dr. Francisco Estrada-Belli Boston University

Mask found inside Structure 1, representing the Maya sun deity Cival 39

The city was discovered in 2001 after being lost to The city features five separate astronomical ritual archaeology for 100 years. It is one of the earliest cities plazas, water management works, royal palaces, and in the Maya Lowlands and has revealed many secrets towering temple pyramids. Around 200 BCE the about the earliest beginnings of Maya civilization. image of a Cival king was carved on a stela, initiating a long tradition of royal images that would continue It was founded in 800 BCE with a massive con- throughout the Classic period. struction project that remodeled an entire hilltop into a large plaza featuring an astronomically oriented At its peak, Cival had a population of over 10,000 architectural complex in its center. and controlled a large territory. Urban life came to an abrupt end around 200 CE which coincided with the The dedication ritual of this complex included fall of its great ally, or patron, El Mirador. The long wall the offering of an unprecedented amount of wealth that encircles the ceremonial hilltop is our only clue in the form of polished jade axes and pebbles (the to the cause of abandonment.came to a violent end largest amount of jade ever recovered from a single at the hands of an unknown rival. context). Royal power and urban life continued at nearby For the next 1000 years the ceremonial center Holmul for another 800 years. grew into a large city of the Preclassic Maya. Each generation built larger pyramids and palaces, attesting to great cultural sophistication centuries prior to the Classic period. Cival jade and jar offering five jade axes were placed upright amid a bed of jade pebbles. Five water jars sat above them. Dated at 800 BCE, this is the earliest offering found at Cival and the largest single offering of jade ever found in the Maya Lowlands. The offering inaugurated Cival’s first astronomical plaza.

Head fragment of the oldest Maya figurine from Cival, 900 BCE 40 Preserving the Kan Kingdom

Holmul Original name: unknown Emblem glyph: unknown Photos: Holmul Archaeological Project Holmul Photos:

Project director Dr. Francisco Estrada-Belli Boston University

Stucco frieze inside a deep tunnel conserved on the facade of an earlier temple. (Building B 1st, 350 BCE) Holmul 41

Excavation in progress on Building N one of the earliest Maya temple-pyramids ever found (July 2009) is completely buried under the plaza of Group II. (ca. 400 BCE)

This Classic period city replaced Cival Holmul sheds new light on the long debated as a regional capital in an important region role played by in Classic Maya between cental Peten and the Caribbean polities, pointing to direct political influence coast. Known since the first scientific expe- by Mesoamerica’s first superpower. dition to Peten in 1909, thereafter it went unnoticed by archaeologists. Throughout the Classic period, Holmul became contested ground between the Like Cival, Holmul had very early ori- kingdoms of Tikal and Naranjo. It eventually gins. The first occupants settled here around fell under Naranjo kings who built several 1100 BCE, centuries earlier than most other provincial royal palaces at Holmul. One sites in the Maya Lowlands. Under the aegis of Holmul’s rulers may be a lord that was of Cival rulers, Holmul became a seat of royal sacrificed at Tikal in 748 CE during the power at the onset of the Classic period. Naranjo dynasty’s final capitulation.

During the same period, we see the power The final abandonment of Holmul of the distant city of Teotihucan (Mexico) in occurred around 1000 CE, later than most this region with the portrayal of its distinctive other lowland sites. warriors on Holmul’s palace walls, on carved monuments, and in artifacts imitating Teoti- Holmul’s Classic period pyramids hide huacano styles. These distant foreigners may inside their bulk great examples of decorated have played a role in the shift of power from Preclassic architecture, making this site Cival to Holmul, as well as in other Maya one of the best laboratories for studying sites. the continuity–over 2000 years–of the art, architecture, history, and environmental During the Early Classic period, strong dynamics of the Maya Lowlands. ties existed between Holmul, Tikal, and Teo- tihuacan. The vast body of evidence from 42 Allies in conservation

United States Department of the Interior Aides in the protection of cultural resources in strategic locations through support of archaeological fi eld seasons in projects funded by Pacunam. By increasing fi eld presence and year-round security, Pacunam and USDOI promote social benefi t, conservation, and protection of the area.

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Co-sponsors with Pacunam of the Conservation Incentives Program for the communities of Carmelita and Uaxactun, aimed at protecting the rainforest through economic and social development.

Hitz Foundation Ministry of Culture and Sports Helped Pacunam fi nalize the legal of Guatemala framework for managing the Carmelita- Promotes and supports scientifi c Mirador access route and is currently helping develop the visitor program for the research, restoration, and conservation of area. archaeological sites in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. # nombre de sección 43

Wildlife Conservation Society, Asociación de Comunidades Forestales de Petén, and Asociación Balam Support for the Conservation Incentives Program for the communities of Carmelita and Uaxactún.

The Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank Global Heritage Fund and Foundation (MIF-IADB) for Anthropological Research and Works with Pacunam in a joint project to Environmental Studies develop the Kan Kingdom area as a tourist Partners with Pacunam in support of scientifi c destination through strategic planning, research, restoration, and conservation of marketing, technical assistance, and the of El Mirador site, as vocational education for tour operators. well as numerous studies of Tintal and Nakbe archaeological sites.

Together with these foundations, Pacunam Rainforest Alliance has developed the Archaeological Works with Pacunam to develop a voluntary Development Plan for the Mirador Cultural carbon offset market. and Natural System. Thanks to the support and investment of our allies, the Maya archeological sites funded by Pacunam have received acclaim and international coverage in prestigious media, such as Smithsonian Magazine, Archaeology Today, National Geographic Channel, CNN, and Discovery Channel. Artifacts from these sites attracted more than 250,000 visitors at the spectacular exhibit at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris in 2011.

Fundación para el Desarrollo de Guatemala In charge of implementing the project “Definition and Management as a Tourist Destination of the Kan Kingdom Area in Petén, Guatemala.” The goal is to contribute to the conservation, development, and positioning of the Kan Kingdom as a tourist destination, by CNN strengthening the capacity of local communities to provide tourist services that ensure an enriching experience and quality standards.

Smithsonian Magazine and conferences

National Council on Protected Areas (CONAP) Facilitates the implementation of joint strategies with Pacunam for biodiversity conservation in the Maya Biosphere Reserve. Quai Branly Exhibit Few people rewrite history to preserve the future . . .

Will you join us? 46 # nombre de sección Photo: Chris Packham / WCS Guatemala / Chris Packham Photo:

www.pacunam.org Photo: Juan Carlos Menéndez Photo: