September 26, 2014

Spring break in Belize: Mysteries of the Ancient Maya Field Excursion

WSU students have the opportunity to go on a trip of a lifetime and earn three credit hours in anthropology over spring break by enrolling in ANTH 397: Mysteries of the Ancient Maya Field Excursion, a nine-day archaeological course in beautiful Belize. From March 14-22, students will visit several spectacularly preserved ancient Maya cities, including Altun Ha, Caracol, Lamanai and Xunantunich, where they will:
-- climb pyramids and wander through temples filled with hieroglyphic inscriptions
-- contemplate the collapse of the ancient Maya civilization while standing in abandoned ballcourts and plazas
-- learn how epigraphers decipher Maya hieroglyphs and how archaeologists excavate and reconstruct the ancient Maya past
-- explore the natural beauty and learn about the vast ecological resources of Mesoamerica through two days on the beach on the island of Caye Caulker (world-class snorkeling excursion optional)
-- learn about ancient Maya trade and visit a modern Maya marketplace, where they can buy artisan crafts to take home as souvenirs

The trip is guided by Mesoamerican archaeologist, Lisa Overholtzer. Spots on the trip are extremely limited, so reserve your space by putting down a deposit by Friday, Oct. 31. Contact professor Overholtzer at lisa.overholtzer@wichita.edu for more details.