Publication Date

Fall 12-15-2021

Abstract

This dissertation examines the rise of Lower Dover (LWD) a Late Classic Polity in the middle Belize River Valley (BRV)in the Central Maya Lowlands, Belize. LWD was advantageously situated at the confluence of three important waters ways in the middle BRV to control riverine trade from the coast to the interior Maya heartland. Most large Maya centers developed over many centuries from Preclassic (ca. 400 BC) farming villages to polity capitals. LWD emerged in the Late Classic (ca. 600 AD) as many polities in the BRV were in decline. LWD was rapidly built by local elites and filled a power vacuum left by the collapse of neighboring capitals allowing it to control riverine trade at a time of unrest and climate instability. When LWD was finally abandoned at 1000 AD it was one of the last standing capitals in the BRV.

Keywords

Lower Dover, Belize Maya, Late Classic, Boomtown

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Anthropology

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Anthropology

First Committee Member (Chair)

Keith M. Prufer

Second Committee Member

Loa P. Traxler

Third Committee Member

Michael Graves

Fourth Committee Member

Jaime Awe

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