Yaxchilán Archaeological Zone

Cuenca del Usumacinta, Chiapas, Mexico
400--900
Deep within the Lacandon forest, a Mayan settlement was founded around A.D. 400 that became known for an architectural style called the Usumacinta, named for the river that courses the site. The style, which reached its height between 500 and 700, made use of sculptural relief and elaborate floral and geometric wall patterns. Hieroglyphic-like markings chiseled into lintels, altars, and stelae were uncovered by researchers beginning in 1882. In 1972, systematic research was begun that, unlike at other sites in the region, involved preserving as much vegetation as possible; a broader environmental conservation plan was instituted in 1989. There is constant pressure to convert the land for grazing, which has led to erosion, runoff from which dams the river and destroys the natural river bank; resulting floods erode the foundations of the pre-Columbian structures. Further, roads are planned through the forest to facilitate mass tourism and Yaxchilán's remoteness has made it vulnerable to looters. The formation of a management plans is necessary and the local populace needs to be made aware of the importance of this major pre-Columbian site.