Fundamental differences in settlement patterns between the ridgelands, foothills, and valley resource zones suggest variations in local community organization.   

The differences in domestic and subsistence activities, depending on the resource zone, indicate the diversity of domestic production.  We need to examine how these zones were integrated and to what degree they were interdependent.  We can begin to resolve these questions through an examination of the residential units themselves.  The data presented here represents the preliminary results of the regional survey and test excavation phase of the BRASS/El Pilar project. From this fieldwork and gathered data, we are able to analyze the role of residential organization in the development of complex societies such as the Maya.