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| From the vista at the northwest corner of Plaza Copal you can see high trees in the western distance. These trees are atop the plazas and pyramids of Pilar Poniente across the border in Guatemala, less than 1 kilometer (5/8 mile) away. |
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| Pilar Poniente, similar in size to Nohol Pilar, was mapped in collaboration with the esteemed Guatemalan archaeologist Miguel Orrego in 1994. Today that sector is protected as a cultural monument in Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve. | |
| Poniente is literally where the sun sets--west, in Spanish. This area is in the preliminary survey stages, revealing a major plaza with temples, one "restricted" area, and an impressive sunken ball court. Much farther and deeper in the western area of El Pilar is Kum. This is a minor complex in the northwest similar in size to Chorro in the northeast. These civic complexes are known throughout the Maya forest region and could be important local resources centers managed by the resident Maya elite. | |
| Fortunately for us, the tall trees growing on the temples and palaces of Pilar Poniente, have been spared the ax and chain saw, as the rocky slopes are ill-suited for farming. From Alta Vista you can appreciate that El Pilar is one resource in two nations. All in your near view is part of the cross-border reserve--a heritage of the past and an opportunity for the future. Most importantly, our collective voice and support for the protection, conservation, and management of the scarce cultural and natural resources will ensure their endurance and integration into the future. |
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| Centers like El Pilar did not exist in a vacuum. There are other major and minor centers that can be seen from this sweeping view. Naranjo lies about 25 km (16 miles) to the southwest; Tikat, 50 km (31 miles) directly west; Holmul, about 14 km (9 miles) to the west-northwest; and Yaloch, some 8 km (5 miles) to the northwest. El Pilar's position certainly gave it a visual advantage, and interestingly the most comprehensive view is from the exclusive H'mena acropolis. | |
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