Derek D’Agostino Explores Ancient Maya Civilization in Belize

Derek D’Agostino Explores Ancient Maya Civilization in Belize

For the past three summers, I have had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Summer Archaeology Field School at Dos Hombres, an ancient Maya site in northwestern Belize. The Programme for Belize’s Archaeological Project provided a hands-on introduction to archaeological field methods, including excavation, mapping, and artifact analysis. Working alongside students from all around the world and under the guidance of our experienced director, Dr. Rissa Trachman, I gained valuable insights into the ancient Maya civilization and Belizean culture. The field school was a great opportunity for me, and since it was my third year returning, I was able to help others while furthering my studies. Beyond the excavation work, the program included visits to significant Maya sites, such as Lamanai, Belize’s third-largest restored site, where we saw firsthand the results of past archaeological efforts. The combination of daily archaeological excavations, educational lectures, and group activities fostered a rich learning environment while creating unforgettable memories and friendships.

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