Description

Archaeology is the study of the origins and development of human culture. This study is conducted through the recovery, documentation and analysis of material remains and environmental data. Archaeologists reconstruct past human behavior and cultural complexity by examining prehistoric architecture, artifacts, human remains and landscapes. The University of Indianapolis program in Belize offers students the unique opportunity to study Archaeology at the heart of the Maya civilization, and provides hands-on learning experiences in a variety of archaeological sites. These include the Maya cities of Caracol, Xunantunich, Cahal Pech and Baking Pot. Students work in all aspects of the archaeological investigations, from excavating prehistoric Maya architecture to illustrating artifacts recovered from the sites. In addition to excavating and mapping cultural remains, students also engage in laboratory work and participate in the analysis of ceramic and lithic artifacts plus human and animal remains.