Rio Azul | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Blue_Creek_Ruins.png) The ruins excavated at the Maya site 'Blue Creek' | |
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Belize_rel_03.jpg) Map of Belize featuring Blue Creek Village | |
| Location | Northwestern Belize, Central America |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 17°54′N 88°54′W / 17.900°N 88.900°W |
| Part of | Orange Walk District |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | Early pre-classic to late classic period |
Blue Creek is a riverine system and major archaeological site located in North-Western Belize, Central America.[1] It is situated geographically on the Belize–Mexico border and then continues south across the Guatemala–Mexico border.[2] The river is commonly known as the Río Azul or ‘Azul River’ in Spanish, which translates to ‘blue river’ or ‘blue creek’ in English.
It flows south-west as a tributary from its larger body known as the Río Hondo or ‘Hondo River’.[1] Its unique lowland environment facilitated the agricultural and economic growth of an Ancient Maya Civilization and has been a source of attention over many years, for numerous specialized archaeologists.[1] The site boundary stops short of the Bravo Escarpment,[3] which is a naturally occurring cliff also located in North Western Belize.
A range of artifacts recovered from the site reveal that Blue Creek was inhabited by many ancient Maya communities from the middle pre-classic period to the late-classic period in Mesoamerican chronology.[1][2]
- ^ a b c d Guderjan, Thomas H. (2004). "Public Architecture, Ritual, and Temporal Dynamics at the Maya Center of Blue Creek, Belize". Ancient Mesoamerica. 15 (2): 235–250. doi:10.1017/S0956536104040167. ISSN 0956-5361. S2CID 162369777.
- ^ a b Zaro, Gregory; Lohse, Jon C. (2005). "Agricultural Rhythms and Rituals: Ancient Maya Solar Observation in Hinterland Blue Creek, Northwestern Belize". Latin American Antiquity. 16 (1): 81–98. doi:10.2307/30042487. ISSN 1045-6635. JSTOR 30042487. S2CID 44947664.
- ^ Barrett, Jason W.; Guderjan, Thomas H. (2006). "An Ancient Maya Dock and Dam at Blue Creek, Rio Hondo, Belize". Latin American Antiquity. 17 (2): 227–239. doi:10.2307/25063048. ISSN 1045-6635. JSTOR 25063048. S2CID 163822210.