Quarry of Sanctuary-Oued
Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE)·Andean Formative·🇬🇹 Petén, Guatemala
Wikimedia Commons · CC (see file page)
About
About Quarry of Sanctuary-Oued
Quarry of Sanctuary-Oued in Petén, Guatemala is a Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE) quarry attributed to Andean Formative culture. Systematically investigated through magnetometry and test trenching, it presents a monumental core with ancillary settlement. Construction employs mudbrick on stone socle and demonstrates craft specialization. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Andean Formative quarry with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Long-distance exchange networks
- 02Ritual use and symbolic landscape
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre and pilgrimage focus
- 02Territorial marker and boundary statement
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 623 BCE
- Period
- Andean Formative (1800–200 BCE)
- Culture
- Andean Formative
- Purpose
- Defensive and administrative
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 623 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 388 BCE
Secondary construction phase
c. 397 CE
Abandonment and gradual burial
1988
Archaeological identification via aerial survey
On the ground
Structures & features
16.7904° N · 88.3920° W · 1617 m · 4 mapped features
- Outlier PanelcairnPrimary quarry at Quarry of Sanctuary-Oued — rock-cut facade16.7911° N · 88.3923° W
- Hydraulic ChannelentrancePrimary quarry at Quarry of Sanctuary-Oued — platform mound16.7905° N · 88.3908° W
- Ancillary ComplextombBurial zone — rock-cut chambers16.7919° N · 88.3928° W
- ShrineditchPrimary quarry at Quarry of Sanctuary-Oued — platform mound16.7898° N · 88.3900° W
Gallery