of these invaluable glyphic time-markers.
For intensive excavation were selected Chiehen Itza in northern Yuca
tan and Uaxactun in the Department of the Peten, Guatemala; reconnais
sance digging was also to be done at Tayasal on Lake Peten Itza. These three sites cover the entire range of Maya history: Uaxactun is, on the basis of recorded dates, the oldest Maya city; Chiehen Itza was founded before the abandonment of Uaxactun and was occupied until shortly before the coming of the Spaniards; Tayasal,
the last independent stronghold of the Maya, did not fall until the close of the seventeenth century.
Its outstanding importance in the New Empire and, indeed, until very shortly before the Spanish Conquest, induced Dr. Morley to select Chiehen Itza as the site for the major effort of the Institution’s campaign of ex
cavation. The city was founded before the close of the Old Empire, and can therefore be expected to throw light on the earliest developmental phases of
the New. During the latter period it was a leader both politically and ceremonially.
Better than any other, it illustrates the influence of the Nahua cultures of Mexico upon the Yucatecan Maya. It contains more hieroglyphic inscriptions than any of the late centers. The great length of its occupancy gives op
portunity for determination, on the sound basis of stratigraphic observation, of the trends of artistic and material development through many cen
turies. Its remains are abundant, culturally significant and well pre
served. And, finally, it possesses the practical advantages of accessibility, abundant labor supply and healthful climate.
Under contract with the Government of Mexico, which from the beginning has been consistently and effec
tively helpful, excavations were started in 1924 and have continued to date.
In his administration of the Chiehen Itza project Dr. Morley attempted to handle the site so as to make it an en
during monument to the genius of the ancient Maya.
To derive bare archeological facts would be simple enough. Plazas could be trenched, pyramids torn open and the still standing parts of ruined tem
ples stripped of the mounds which now protect them. These undertakings would be speedy and relatively cheap. But they would pave the way for
Serpent Head at top of north ramp of Warrior’s
Stairway.
For intensive excavation were selected Chiehen Itza in northern Yuca
tan and Uaxactun in the Department of the Peten, Guatemala; reconnais
sance digging was also to be done at Tayasal on Lake Peten Itza. These three sites cover the entire range of Maya history: Uaxactun is, on the basis of recorded dates, the oldest Maya city; Chiehen Itza was founded before the abandonment of Uaxactun and was occupied until shortly before the coming of the Spaniards; Tayasal,
the last independent stronghold of the Maya, did not fall until the close of the seventeenth century.
Its outstanding importance in the New Empire and, indeed, until very shortly before the Spanish Conquest, induced Dr. Morley to select Chiehen Itza as the site for the major effort of the Institution’s campaign of ex
cavation. The city was founded before the close of the Old Empire, and can therefore be expected to throw light on the earliest developmental phases of
the New. During the latter period it was a leader both politically and ceremonially.
Better than any other, it illustrates the influence of the Nahua cultures of Mexico upon the Yucatecan Maya. It contains more hieroglyphic inscriptions than any of the late centers. The great length of its occupancy gives op
portunity for determination, on the sound basis of stratigraphic observation, of the trends of artistic and material development through many cen
turies. Its remains are abundant, culturally significant and well pre
served. And, finally, it possesses the practical advantages of accessibility, abundant labor supply and healthful climate.
Under contract with the Government of Mexico, which from the beginning has been consistently and effec
tively helpful, excavations were started in 1924 and have continued to date.
In his administration of the Chiehen Itza project Dr. Morley attempted to handle the site so as to make it an en
during monument to the genius of the ancient Maya.
To derive bare archeological facts would be simple enough. Plazas could be trenched, pyramids torn open and the still standing parts of ruined tem
ples stripped of the mounds which now protect them. These undertakings would be speedy and relatively cheap. But they would pave the way for
Serpent Head at top of north ramp of Warrior’s
Stairway.