The ancient Maya were a prominent civilization; however, changing environmental and climatic conditions led to stresses and socio-political upheaval. For example, we know that an immensely violent event disrupted occupation at Colha (one of our research sites) in the Terminal Classic (CE 800 – 900). The skulls of 10 adult women, 10 adult males, and 10 children were uncovered in a pit in front of a small temple, while their bodies were thrown down the stairs of an adjacent building. The building was burned; it eventually collapsed over the skull pit, preserving the skulls for archaeologists to uncover over 1000 years in the future!

The Red Lady was unearthed in Lot 110 during the 1980s excavations at Colha. The Red Lady dates to the Late Preclassic (BC 300 - AD 250) and was highly important to some of the earliest occupants at the site. She was found in a seated position and was approximately 45-60 years old at the time of death. Of particular importance is that her bones are stained red, most likely from her skin having been painted red with cinnabar before her interment. In addition to her red bones, five human skulls were placed on plates before her as an offering for her transition from life to death.

The ancient Maya were phenomenal astronomers and had a highly complex calendrical system that followed celestial events. In fact, the Maya were so adept at astronomy and mathematics that their calendar is one of the most accurate of all time! The Haab represents the 365-day solar calendar. This calendar is broken up into 19 months--18 months of 20 days (360 days) and a 19th month of 5 days. This final month, also known as the Wayeb, was thought to be unpredictable and a sign of bad omens.

The Middle Classic Hiatus occurred from approximately AD 540 - 600 and represents a time when many cities and regions (including our research area) experience a decline in the production of monumental architecture, trade & exchange, and population.

The Terminal Classic was from AD 800-900 and represents the time of the Classic Maya "collapse." Construction ceases, trade and exchange falter, burials are impoverished. Most of the Classic Maya centers in the Southern Lowlands suffer decline and abandonment during this time. Researchers recognize this collapse of the Classic Maya civilization was probably due to several contributing factors: mass uprisings from political uncertainty, environmental stress, warfare, overpopulation, and climate change. The ancient Maya continue to persist after the Terminal Classic collapse, but their political structure is no longer centered around great kings and most cities in the jungles of Guatemala and Belize are abandoned.

The skull pit at Colha marked the Terminal Classic struggles and an abandonment episode of nearly 50 years occurs before the site is resettled in the Postclassic (AD 1000 - 1521). Occupation at Colha during the Postclassic was not as grand as it was during the Classic Period, and by AD 1350, Colha is abandoned for good.