Earliest Known Maya Salt Works Discovered in Belize

Earliest Known Maya Salt Works Discovered in Belize

Earliest Known Maya Salt Works Discovered in Belize

A team of archaeologists from Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Texas at Tyler has unearthed a groundbreaking discovery in southern Belize: the earliest known Maya salt works. The findings, recently published in Antiquity, shed light on the ancient salt-making practices that sustained Maya communities over a thousand years ago.

Led by LSU Alumni Professor Heather McKillop and Assistant Professor Elizabeth Sills, the excavation at Jay-yi Nah reveals a fascinating glimpse into the Early Classic period (AD 250–600). Unlike other salt works in the area, Jay-yi Nah displayed minimal broken pottery, prompting further investigation. Radiocarbon dating confirmed that the site predates neighboring underwater sites, establishing its role as a pioneering hub for salt production.

“Jay-yi Nah offers a rare look at the beginnings of Maya salt-making, before the widespread trade networks of the Late Classic period,” McKillop explained.

The site is part of an extensive network of underwater locations mapped by the team since 2004. To date, they have identified 70 submerged sites with more than 4,000 wooden posts marking ancient structures. These include salt kitchens, where seawater was boiled to extract salt, and residential buildings, all remarkably preserved in red mangrove peat.

The discovery highlights the critical role of salt in Maya society, not only for dietary use but also for preserving food. Fish bones found at the nearby island of Wild Cane Cay suggest that salt was used to cure fish, supporting local consumption and trade.

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“Jay-yi Nah was a small, self-sufficient salt-making site with strong ties to Wild Cane Cay,” said Sills, McKillop’s long-time collaborator. “It demonstrates how coastal communities thrived before the inland cities demanded large quantities of salt.”

This find adds another layer to Belize’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the ingenuity of the ancient Maya. As archaeologists continue to study artifacts from Jay-yi Nah, they uncover more about the daily lives and economic practices of these early salt workers.

Belize’s submerged archaeological sites remain a treasure trove of history, offering a unique perspective on the Maya civilization’s resourcefulness and resilience.


Get a copy of The Ultimate Belize Bucket List! Written by Larry Waight, a local with more than twenty years of experience in the travel industry, the book is packed with tips, information, and recommendations about all of the best things to see and do in Belize.
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