Daily Life at the Ancient Maya City of Dos Hombres, Belize: Intersections of Ancient Maya Ritual, Economy, and Social Organization

Evidence from multiple contexts at the site of Dos Hombres northwestern Belize reveals the interconnectedness of ritual, economic, and social spaces as they are visible in the material aspects of everyday life. The most recent work at the site has shifted to Plaza B and Courtyard C-2 of the site where both economic and ritual activity were equally carried out, but in more restricted kinds of spaces. These data along with previously excavated data, radiocarbon data, LiDAR, and material culture analyses elucidate public and private activities along with revealing important information about the social, ritual, and economic significance of the site. An evocative picture emerges of the interconnectedness of every aspect of daily life. Material culture, burials, tombs, monumental architecture, domestic architecture, construction sequences, market locales, and a large ceramic deposit found inside a monumental structure highlight the interwoven nature of ritual with economic activity, social activity, and commerce. The multiple lines of evidence presented reveal much about the interconnected nature of important aspects of daily life in both public and private settings, especially those of economic, religious, and social significance. The extent of market based economic activity and its integration with ritual and social expression are critical perspectives in understanding the nature of ancient Maya life at Dos Hombres.