ABSTRACT
Maya ports and sea trade have long been subjects of archaeological investigation; however, riverine ports have seen less research. The important Classic Maya site of Cancuen, Peten, Guatemala, is an example of such a port. Standing at the crossroads of trade routes connecting the Maya highlands to the lowlands and the east-west transversal route, Cancuen was situated in a unique position and was able to capitalize on changing fortunes at the heart of the Maya world. This chapter examines the location of Cancuen along these trade routes, political ties to sites to the north, and relations with both highland and lowland peoples during the Late Classic period.
