THE ROLE, FUNCTION, AND APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGIES IN ARCHAEOLOGY: DATA FROM NW BELIZE

Abstract

The Programme for Belize Archaeological Project (PfBAP), in NW Belize, has recently benefitted from the application of several technologies not often available to archaeology research programs. The use of non-destructive geo-physical and related technologies at several sites has provided the PfBAP with data concerning community structure. These data also inform the interest for future excavations. The developments in isotope research have also benefitted the PfBAP in providing measures for understanding population movement and possible interaction across the NW Belize region. The local variation of strontium and oxygen isotopes in NW Belize is now better understood. The isotope data, from the PfBAP, demonstrates the presence and consistency of immigrants within ancient Maya settlements from NW Belize through time. A third technology that has modified the PfBAP understanding of ancient settlement and activity is the use of LiDAR. Ancient Maya settlements not previously recorded are now more evident as are features from ancient activities including reservoirs, sacbeob, and agricultural fields. The rapid changes in certain technologies and their application to archaeology are seen as beneficial in NW Belize.