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

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ceramics probably arrived at <strong>the</strong> enclave at El Marquesillo <strong>in</strong> this manner ei<strong>the</strong>r directly<br />

from Tlacotalpan or <strong>in</strong>directly by way <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> nearby haciendas. O<strong>the</strong>r locations<br />

conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g exotic items may exist at El Marquesillo, ei<strong>the</strong>r under <strong>the</strong> present-day ejido or<br />

<strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r unexplored areas surround<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> site.<br />

Summary <strong>of</strong> Interpretations<br />

Through <strong>the</strong> multiple l<strong>in</strong>es <strong>of</strong> evidence recovered and analyzed dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>in</strong>vestigation <strong>of</strong> El Marquesillo, a picture <strong>of</strong> a 3,500 year old community beg<strong>in</strong>s to<br />

emerge. The first signs <strong>of</strong> occupation appeared <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Early Formative period (c. 1500<br />

BC) followed by <strong>the</strong> presence <strong>of</strong> <strong>Gulf</strong> Coast Olmec ceramic styles. Dur<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>itial<br />

period, <strong>the</strong> landscape and resources at El Marquesillo attracted an archaeologically<br />

discernible population who, along with an emergent elite class, cooperated to meet <strong>the</strong><br />

demands <strong>of</strong> a rudimentary and sedentary community.<br />

Between c. 1150 and 900 BC, El Marquesillo expanded its detectable boundaries<br />

and appears to have <strong>in</strong>itiated <strong>the</strong> production <strong>of</strong> ceramic vessels. Some members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

community began <strong>the</strong> construction <strong>of</strong> floors and platforms from exotic natural materials.<br />

The natural landscape was modified to produce a massive platform that conta<strong>in</strong>ed<br />

monumental structures and plazas that may have been used for public or private<br />

ceremonies. Natural spr<strong>in</strong>gs, which may have been an <strong>in</strong>itial enticement to <strong>the</strong> orig<strong>in</strong>al<br />

<strong>in</strong>habitants, may have been <strong>in</strong>corporated <strong>in</strong>to a constructed sacred landscape.<br />

At <strong>the</strong> open<strong>in</strong>g <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Middle Formative period (c. 900-300 BC), San Lorenzo<br />

collapsed and <strong>the</strong> region to <strong>the</strong> north and east was literally abandoned. If <strong>the</strong> significant<br />

301

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