Perceptual analysis

At the beginning of the 2008 excavation season, the local population was affected by a dire season and therefore had no work in the field. It was decided to hire more than 60 people for the excavation project. However, there was still the problem of not having enough supervisory staff. The solution was to open Unit J7, a vast area to the southeast of J6. As it was completely within the Plaza perimeter, it was expected to be devoid of structures or installations and easier to excavate with limited supervision. This turned out to be the case, as the plaza was covered by accumulations and a large brickfall. Opening the triangle provided a full view of the monumental staircase coming from the southeastern corner of the Third Millennium Plaza. By the end of the season, only half of the required volume of earth had been removed, leaving the rest for the next season. During the 2009 excavation season, the J2 excavations were reopened and the part of J7 adjacent to the monumental staircase was excavated as part of the J2. The view of the staircase was widened up. The aim was to give visitors the same experience as the ancient inhabitants of the city when walking in the plaza and approaching the staircase with the temple at the top of the terrace in full view.