During the 2026 field season, archaeological investigations by the BVAR Project will concentrate on the ancient Maya sites of Baking Pot, Xunantunich, and Yaxox, located in the upper Belize River Valley and near the modern town of San Ignacio in western Belize. These sites are among the largest and most prominent Classic period (AD 250–900) cities in the upper Belize River Valley and represent key centers of ancient Maya political and social life in the region.
Xunantunich, Baking Pot, and Yaxox all served as capitals of medium-sized Maya kingdoms and played significant roles in regional geopolitics and trade. Xunantunich is particularly well known for its impressive hilltop acropolis and monumental architecture, including "El Castillo," one of the tallest structures in Belize, which offers a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. Recent research at Xunantunich has revealed important insights into elite political strategies, ritual activity, and the site's relationships with neighboring centers, including Naranjo and Caracol.
At Baking Pot, despite decades of research, substantial areas of the site remain unexplored. In 2026, our work will focus on the Group B palace complex, where we will clear additional sections of the monumental architecture and adjoining courtyards. The goal is to better understand the architectural sequence and determine when and why the royal court ultimately abandoned the palace. These investigations will build on the findings of previous seasons and contribute to a broader understanding of sociopolitical change in the Late and Terminal Classic periods.
Yaxox, which is located about two kilometers north of San Ignacio Town, has yet to receive serious archaeological attention. For this, and various other research reasons, we plan to begin archaeological investigations of this center in 2026. Among the questions we hope to address is the site’s relationship with other major centers, like Cahal Pech, Baking Pot, Buena Vista, and Xunantunich, in the upper Belize River Valley. We also hope to determine the chronological rise, apogee, and decline of the center, and the extent of its sustaining area during its peak development in the Classic period.
The BVAR field school offers participants intensive, hands-on training in archaeological field methods. Over the course of three weeks, students and volunteers receive instruction in survey, excavation, artifact processing, and documentation. The curriculum also includes lectures, site tours, and written assessments, making it ideal for students seeking academic credit or anyone interested in gaining in-depth experience in Maya archaeology. Whether you’re preparing for a career in archaeology or simply passionate about ancient history, the BVAR field school provides a unique opportunity to engage directly with the material past of the ancient Maya world.
WHO SHOULD APPLY? Students looking for hands-on field experience in archaeology, including excavation, survey, and lab analysis.
Weekly lectures covering:
- Ancient Maya Civilization
- Maya Epigraphy & Ideology
- Artifact Analysis
- GIS and Remote Sensing
- Osteology & Zooarchaeology
Dates:
Session I: June 7th-27th, 2026
Session II: July 5th-25th, 2026
Registration fees:
$2300 US for the three-week field school
Fees include lodging, weekday meals, and transportation to and from the airport and the excavation site.
**Airfare, optional academic credit, optional trips, and personal expenses not included**
Optional Academic credit is available through !