Uxbenka

Uxbenka (or Uxbenká in Spanish orthography) is a pre-Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site located in Belize's southernmost district of Toledo.

The site is approximately 40 square kilometers in size, and Uxbenka is referred to as a medium-sized polity [3][2]).

[3] Some LiDAR images suggest that the people of Uxbenka utilized and modified the hilltops for public and residential structures.

[2] Thirteen stelae (stone slabs which were used to record the political history of ancient Maya sites) have been identified at Uxbenka.

[4] Iconography present on Stela 11 includes the lower half of an individual with both feet pointed in the same direction and a Double-Headed Serpent Bar.

[4] Although partly eroded, iconography on Stela 18 is interpreted to show an Early Classic ruler.

[4] A partial long count date and introductory series initial glyph (ISIG) has been identified, translated as 9.17.11 or A.D.

[4] Archaeological research suggests that the soils around Uxbenka are high in nutrients, making the area propitious for agricultural production.

[2][4] Slash-and-burn and milpa agricultural techniques were used by the inhabitants of Uxbenka, along with soil management strategies like terracing.