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The skeletal remains of 18 individuals interred at the ancient Maya site of Caledonia (100 to 1000 C.E.), located in the Cayo District of Belize, w ere sampled for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis in order to reconstruct their diet. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios in 18 bone collagen samples and stable carbon isotope ratios in bioapatite from 15 bone and 6 tooth enamel samples were assessed. Small sample sizes precluded the assessment of dietary variation with respect to age, sex, social status or time period among the Caledonia Maya. However, the sampled individuals consumed a varied diet consisting of maize, supplemented with some C3 plants, terrestrial herbivores and/or lower order freshwater resources such as snails and molluscs and possibly maize-fed animals. This dietary variability with an emphasis on maize is unsurprising given the biological diversity surrounding the site and the known importance of this crop to the ancient Maya. As expected, the isotopic values from Caledonia are similar to those from nearby sites from similar time periods. However, four individuals exhibit a marine dietary signature, possibly indicating inland trade of marine resources from coastal sites, or the migration of coastal people to Caledonia. This study demonstrates the validity of sampling small, fragmented collections from minor Maya centres in order to gain valuable insight into ancient Maya dietary practices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salvage excavation of a small Maya temple-pyramid at the site of Caledonia in the Cayo District of western Belize has revealed a Classic period vaulted tomb containing the remains of multiple individuals. The rich ceramic assemblage from the burial included transitional Tzakol 3-Tepeu 1 (A.C. 450-650) vessels (17 in total), along with obsidian blades, carved jade and shell jewelry, and other stone artifacts. Osteological examination of the human skeletal remains indicates at least eight individuals of both sexes were interred, as well as one child. On the basis of the tomb size, architectural, artifactual, and osteological remains, and a radiocarbon determination, it is likely that the Caledonia tomb was utilized over several centuries, possibly as an elite Maya family crypt. Following the last interment in the tomb the templepyramid was enlarged and topped by a vaulted superstructure with associated ceramics dating to Tepeu 3 times. A description of the site, tomb, osteology, and artifacts is provided along with a discussion of Maya multiple burials and funerary customs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]