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Joya de Ceren

Joya de Ceren
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Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site is a pre-Columbian Maya farming village that has been preserved remarkably intact after it was destroyed by volcanic ash around 600 AD.

Loma Caldera, a nearby volcano, erupted and buried the village under 14 layers of ash. The villagers were apparently able to flee in time – no bodies have been found – although they left behind utensils, ceramics, furniture, and even half-eaten food in their haste to escape. The site was discovered in 1976 by Payson Sheets, a professor of anthropology. Since then the excavation process has continued. About 70 buildings have been uncovered.

Even more important than the buildings, however, are the paleoethnobotanical remains. The low temperature of the wet ash from Loma Caldera, as well as its rapid fall, ensured the preservation of much of the plant material. Of great importance is the discovery of manioc fields, the first time manioc cultivation had been found at a New World archaeological site.

Year Decision Comments
1993 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
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Reviews

Lars Svendsen (U.S.A.):
In 1990 I was on the Joya de Ceren archaeological team of Andrea Gerstle. There were six of us and many wonderful locals who housed us and fed us and worked with us at the site. We found the third house, in fact Jose and I found it, 15 feet down when we scooped up a fragment of what turned out to be the wall of a rammed earth house.

Magnificent site. As noted it tells a tale of life among the 'common' people.

"Certainly the American continent was far better off before the journeys of Columbus and the European takeover." Andy, How do you know this? There is nothing in the record to suggest that pre-columbian America, anywhere, was paradise. Especially in this neck of the woods.

The Maya rulers where Kings and Gods at the same time. The Spanish Kings were no longer 'Gods' but might as well have been.

When you get into the mix of it all most of the world has evolved about the same way. Because Andy, 'WE ARE ALL HUMAN AND HUMAN NATURE DOES NOT CHANGE VERY MUCH IN THE SCHEME'.
Date posted: June 2011
Tammy Glaser (United States):
We absolutely marveled at Joya de Ceren! It truly is a jewel and must not be missed when traveling in El Salvador. My husband is Salvadoran and American and he was so proud of his country and what they have uncovered. The museum was fantastic, the tour informative, and the landscaping meticulous.

I blogged our visit plus a bunch of pictures, which do not do justice what you see in real life. aut2bhomeincarolina.blogspot.com/2010/10/joya-de-ceren-archaeological-site.html
Date posted: October 2010
Jakey (United States):
Joya de Ceren is not your average pre-columbian/Maya site -- unlike the grandeur of Tikal and the artistry of Copan, Joya de Ceren is more about how the everyday people lived.

Thus, it's definitely worth it if you're into such archaeology.
Date posted: December 2010
Andy (USA):
I had a wonderful time at the site about ten years ago and greatly enjoyed all that there was to learn and particularly the contrast with the Mayan ceremonial cities. However, I have to disagree with Ivette, though. We have not advanced at all. On the contrary, life remains very harsh for the poor majority. The environmental and social degradation a bus ride away in San Salvador with many people living in absolute misery is a vivid reminder of this. Certainly the American continent was far better off before the journeys of Columbus and the European takeover.
 
Francisco Melara (Biloxi, Mississippi):
This is a great site for all archaeology enthusiasts. I just would like to add that the excavations are roofed and screened to protect them and that you must enter the ruins area with a guide (tip the guy or girl a dollar, will you?). Joya de Cerén has a site museum, modern restrooms, an amphitheater, picnic facilities and a small café. Entrance fees (last time I visited in 2006): Salvadorans 61˘, Foreigners $2.86, Parking Cars $1.14, Buses $2.29 The parking lot is just as you enter the fenced and guarded site area. It is shaded and safe.
 
Luis Tejada (USA):
this is one of the most amazing sites you have never heard of. It shows aspects of the lives of people in a Pre-Colombus Latin America. Unfortunetly it has not been as well conserved as other sites. Joya de Ceren is a must if you are serious about archaeology
 
Ivette (El Salvador):
Going to this place was a great experience, because Iwas able to know how the PIPILES lived and wow how much we have advanced
 


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