Unit Book J2
J2 Synthetic View / Stratigraphy

Emplacement for unit J2
Ordered aggregation

Caitlin Chaves Yates – November 2010

Walls
Stairs
Apron
Monumental Access

Walls

     Obviously the most important wall in J2 is the revetment wall (^wall1) that defines the temple terrace area and creates the separation between the Plaza and the temple mound. The wall is constructed of rough stones. Excavations in J3 indicate it is backed by a bakaya layer. It is only one row of stones thick and is considered a revetment wall rather than a retaining wall.
     The flanking walls of apron (^apr1) and staircase (^stair2) form the borders of the entrance area and create the frame of the monumental access. The eastern flanking wall (^wall2) is part of the original construction of the staircase and apron as it is bonded with the staircase. The western wall (^wall3) is a later addition based on its inferior quality and because it is not bonded to the revetment wall or the apron.
     The remaining walls in J2 are small curtain walls. Three are built during the time of the brickfall (f144, f224, f232). Their function is unknown but they appear to be embedded in the layers of the brickfall. They are contemporaneous with several ashy use areas.
     There is an additional curtain wall in front of the revetment wall. This wall appears to section of the area between the end of the apron and the revetment wall for unknown purposes. It extends west, perpendicular to the flanking wall f127. It can be seen extending into the baulk and further excavation can tell us how far to the west it extends. It was built before the brickfall which covers it after the wall had collapsed.

Stairs

The stone staircase, called the second staircase, together with the apron f131, is perhaps the most defining aspect of J2. The staircase provides access from the Plaza up to the temple mound. The staircase is built of limestones, usually wider than they are deep. Each step is composed of 2-4 stones. When standing at the base the stairs seem to lead slightly toward the right.
The first staircase, f380, may not be a staircase at all but part of a different kind of structure. It has been classified as a staircase based on the stepped nature of the three visible layers of stones. It is unclear if there are more steps to the south, although it appears there are not. It may extend upwards underneath the second staircase. Further excavation is needed to answer these questions.

Apron

The first apron was built together with the second staircase and the revetment wall. It is a stepped structure composed of limestone blocks. It leads up from the Plaza towards the top of the revetment wall and the temple terrace. The spacing of the steps is about one for every two of the corresponding staircase.
The second apron rises above the revetment wall. The exact date of construction is unknown, but it is similar in construction to the first apron although it extends further to the west.

Monumental Access

Together the revetment wall, flanking walls, the apron, and the staircase for a monumental access way to the temple mound. They are part of a complex of architecture surrounding the temple terrace that includes additional stone structures in the west in J1 and J5.

Unit Book J2J2 Synthetic View / Stratigraphy