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Early Classic

Early Classic (Chun-On ceramic complex, A.D. 300-600)

During the Early Classic, the Muyil settlement constructed several early platforms which are not visible today, but which we believe lie beneath the plaza of the Entrance Plaza Group, the Great Platform, and the Temple 8 precinct. Based upon the ceramics recovered from the two test pits (5 and 6) excavated at the Entrance Plaza Group, as discussed in Chapter 3 above, we believe that Structure 7H‑8 or perhaps a substructure beneath it was built at the south side of the Plaza. There is evidence that several of the house mounds visible today either were constructed in the Early Classic, or were constructed in areas where Early Classic peoples had dwelt formerly (Appendix 4).

During the Early Classic, Muyil's trade ties are indicated by the presence of Balanza Black ceramics, similar to those of Barton Ramie and Coba, but not reported elsewhere. Similarly, the Dos Arroyos Orange Polychrome ceramics of Muyil and Coba are like those of Belize, Becan, and Kohunlich (Robles 1990:257-258). Robles believes that because of the connection of Coba with Belize, through the Balanza Black type, that perhaps the Dos Arroyos Orange Polychrome, apparently manufactured in the Peten and Belize, reached Coba, (and therefore by extension, Muyil) via Belize (Robles 1990:258). These connections through the Early Classic are consistent with Muyil's settlement originating in Belize and the northeast Peten.

At the same time that Coba and Muyil were in communication with Belize, they also participated in a Quintana Roo area of ceramic homogeneity, which included Kantunil Kin, Tancah, El Meco, and Xelha. This more local area was marked by the use of Saban Unslipped: Becoob Variety inverted ovoid tecomates, tecomates of Cetelac Fibre-tempered, and Tituc Orange Polychrome, a local copy of Dos Arroyos Orange Polychrome (Robles 1990:258).

Fish net weights are documented for the Early Classic at Muyil, and they may date somewhat earlier than the Early Classic there. Subsistence strategies included line or net fishing and fish remained part of the protein in the diet throughout the occupation of the site. Fishing in the lagoons and surf is still popular among natives and visitors alike.

The Early Classic served as preamble to major changes.