An Unexplored Realm in the Heartland of the Southern Gulf ... - Famsi

Figure 4.15. Elevated view of Field 8 from the north. Plaza II lies in the center
between Structures 78 and 79.
Structure 78 is a 7 m high earthen mound that anchors the center of Structure 77
and acts as the western limit of Plaza II. The top of this structure is the highest point
within the survey area. To the east of 78, across Plaza II is Structure 79, a 4 m high
earthen, platform-like mound with a broad flat top surface. The west side of this structure
forms the eastern border of Plaza II, and the opposite side forms the western border of the
smaller Plaza I. On the northeast corner of Structure 79 is an unusual construction
feature. A small platform-like projection extends approximately halfway up the
platform’s incline (see Figure 4.13). Structure 110 is a low, 1.5 m high, elongated mound
immediately west of Structure 78, and Structure 82 is a 2 m high, low conical earthen
mound close to the present-day river cut bank.
Figure 4.16 illustrates that an axis is formed by the center lines of Structures 110,
78, 79, and 82. This alignment lies at 72º east-northeast and establishes the medial
longitudinal axis of the entire Throne Complex Platform and Structure 77. Running
parallel to the axis is Structure 111, which is immediately adjacent to the Throne
Complex Platform. Figures 4.12 and 4.16 demonstrate the size and elevation of this
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