Abstract

MARTINEZ PAIZ, Horacio et al. Cancuén: A Port City on La Pasion River. Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2017, vol.49, pp.11-37. ISSN 0185-2574.  https://doi.org/10.19130/iifl.ecm.2017.49.803.

Cancuén was a crucial city and the most significant port of the Southern Maya lowlands for the long-distance trade during the Late Classic Period. Multiple findings have documented the importance and nature of this site, located at the head of navigation on La Pasion river, as well as being the southern border center between the rich resources of the highlands and the cities of the Maya lowlands of Petén. Between 760-800 A.D. Cancuén had ample access to the route of the Northern Transversal route, which ran along the base of the Guatemalan highlands, and then northwest, reaching the Gulf Coast of Mexico. This change and the emphasis on the Transversal after 750 A.D. is demonstrated by significant amounts of Chablekal Fine Gray and Campamento Fine Orange pottery from Veracruz, and obsidian coming from Zaragoza, Puebla. This information has provided a clear perception about the possible trade routes and the role of society in this important activity.

Keywords : commerce; economy; communication routes; resources; Late Classic.

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