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| This trench is one of many recorded when the site was first mapped in 1984. In 1994 alone, we filled in 24 looters' trenches that threatened to collapse structures. These trenches can be dangerous for visitors and archaeologists alike, not to mention the monuments themselves. In this case, the trench is relatively stable and you may peer inside. To show the amount of tragic destruction these thieves can create, we have left this area open. This trench does not appear to have reached the looters' ultimate goal--entombed relics of ceramics or jade that command high prices on the illegal antiquities market. Nonetheless, the looters' work has destroyed valuable data and irreparably damaged this majestic building. |
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| The trench profile reveals the many architectural features. As you carefully negotiate the passage inside, note the top portion at the rear of the trench. The exposure is a major wall of a room that once graced this temple. On the north side you can trace the floors and steps of several rooms, including the doorjamb between them. Around the large tree roots that help brace the trench, you can see the first two platforms of this pyramid. The architectural chronology of this building is revealed in the trench side walls. We believe that Plaza Ixim was once at least as large as Plaza Faisan, but with remodeling and enlarging over time the size of this plaza was decreased. |
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| Examining the El Pilar map, you can see the location of the original stairway out of Plaza Ixim and up to the acropolis on the north. This stairway changes pitch three times on the way up, starting with low, broad steps at the plaza level and culminating with steep, narrow steps into the acropolis buildings. This architectural technique, used effectively to this day, discourages easy access. Our exit will follow the trail up to the small landing at Plaza Hatz. | |
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