Williams Video

Excavations at Motul de San José, Guatemala

Antonia Foias, Chair and Associate Professor of Anthropology/
Sociology

The Classic Maya site of Motul de San José is located in Central Peten Lakes region of northern Guatemala. Motul de San José was an important political and economic center during the Late Classic (650-950 C.E.), although its exact role in the Maya region is still unclear. The site is sufficiently large and complex that it will take several years to complete the excavation and interpret the field data. Professor Foias shares insights on her work at the site and her investigations into the rise and fall of the ancient Maya civilization of northern Guatemala.

Antonia Foias received a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Vanderbilt University in 1996, specializing in Mesoamerican civilization. Since 1998 she has served as the director of the Motul de San José Archaeological Project, which offers summer research opportunities for Williams students interested in Archaeology.

Antonia Foias’ department web page