Explore, research, conserve.
The San Bartolo-Xultun Regional Archaeological Project (PRASBX) is a multi-institutional collaboration engaged in archaeology, art conservation, and environmental science initiatives in Guatemala. PRASBX investigates two nearby sites in the northeastern Petén region that had a long history spanning the rise and fall of Classic Maya kingdoms (ca. 400 BCE – CE 900). San Bartolo has the earliest evidence of Maya writing yet discovered dating to the 4th century BCE and Xultun was an important city led by a powerful dynasty during the 5th-9th centuries CE. Today, the large urban center and its network of smaller sites have been reclaimed by tropical forest, a protected ecological zone designated the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Jungle Trail Cameras at SBX!
Trail cams are playing an important role in our community documentary and ongoing monitoring of biodiversity. Last year’s test pilot was a huge success. This week, eleven fantastic individuals helped us acquire additional cameras that we will immediately place in different ecozones throughout the site. This means more tapir selfies! Thanks to all who helped us reach our goal, we look forward to previewing the photos with you!
SUPPORT SBX in 2024
Please consider adding your support to our project. From new excavations to replacing tents and water filters, our field based research needs support. Our goals include going solar in camp, acquiring better trail cameras to monitor wildlife, and increasing student opportunities in lab analysis.
7 Deer publication receives recognition
The SBX publication on a rare calendar date among the mural fragments excavated from San Bartolo, Petén, Guatemala has received international attention. The mural fragment painted with a number and a day sign, “7 Deer” corresponds to the K’iche’ Maya day Wuqub’ Kej, marking the first day of a year over 22 centuries ago. The “7 Deer” day record represents the earliest securely dated example of the Maya calendar and is important in understanding the development of the 260-day count and associated aspects of Mesoamerican religion and cosmological science. Our research has been recognized by Archaeology magazine as one of the Top Ten Discoveries of 2022 and selected among five global finalists for the International Archaeological Discovery Award Khaled al-Asaad, winning the people’s choice award in 2023.
The murals at San Bartolo and Xultun changed our understanding of Maya history.
The artists and scribes of San Bartolo and Xultun created masterpieces in paint, plaster, clay, and stone that provide a window into belief systems and socio-political changes in ancient Maya society. The rare preservation of multiple wall paintings at SBX dating from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE represent unique cultural patrimony and exceptional testimony of ancient Maya artistic works.
PRASBX pairs an extensive program of mural scholarship and conservation with its investigative research goals. We seek to understand the greater social dynamics of San Bartolo-Xultun during a time of initial settlement and growth in the Preclassic period, through social upheaval in the 2nd-3rd century CE, and as power was consolidated under dynastic rule during the Classic period. Through archaeology, we investigate the interplay between social systems, visual media, and ecology that unfolded at this lowland Maya city during the first millennium CE.