Recent archaeological excavations have demonstrated the complexity of the Preclassic period, especially the Middle and Late Preclassic. Far from being simply an antecedent of the Classic Maya development, during the Pre-Classic period many of the traits of Classic Maya civilization (i.e. huge ceremonial centers with monumental architecture, kingship, and complex artistic styles) were already in place
Here are some examples of sites with evidence of these early developments
Cerros (Belize)
Cerros is one of the most studied Preclassic Maya cities, that was abandoned before the later (Classic or Postclassic) period. Cerros occupies a strategic location at the mouth of a river and facing the Caribbean sea, quite favorable for trade route connection. The site core of Cerros is marked by the acropolis, with platforms and temples decorated with giant stucco masks.
Cival (Guatemala)
Cival is a recently excavated Late Preclassic site in central Peten, Guatemala, with monumental architecture and giant stucco masks portraying the maize god.
Nakbé (Guatemala)
Nakbé is one of the earliest large monumental sites in the Southern Maya lowlands. it is characterized by huge platforms, once painted and decorated with stucco masks supporting perishable buildings, and a series of causeways connecting different sectors of the site as well as to the site of El Mirador
El Mirador (Guatemala)
The site of El Mirador is one of the largest in the whole Maya region. During the Late Preclassic became an important capital of central Peten. The site is dominated by the massive El Tigre complex and the Danta Group
San Bartolo (Guatemala)
The site of San Bartolo was discovered in 2001 by archaeologist William Saturno. Its main building is a large pyramidal temple with several adjoined structures. It is famous for the amazingly preserved painted mural that cover the internal walls of one of these structures, depicting royal and mythological scenes and accompanied by hieroglyphic text.
Cuello (Belize)
Cuello emerged as a small agricultural village in the Belizean lowlands. The first evidence of public architecture appears at Cuello by the Middle Preclassic. Cuello is also important for its large sample of burials dating to the Preclassic period, and for the presence of artifacts carved out of animal and human bones which provide a glimpse into an early local art style.
Other important Preclassic sites are:
- X'akob
- Cahal Pech
- Blackman Eddy
- Colha