ARCHEOLOGY. 341 



Approximate readings of the remaining 3 Initial Series, Stelae 1, 5, 

 and 6, have also been attempted. Stela 5 apparently records another 

 Cycle 8 date, the best reading being 8.15.10.3.12, although this is open 

 to considerable doubt. Stela 6 may certainly be referred to the 

 Archaic Period, probably to Katuns 6, 7, 8, or 9, and Stela 1 with equal 

 certainty to the Great Period, the best reading being 9.14.0.0.0. 



The great importance of this new site lies in the number of its very 

 early inscriptions. Stela 9 is the oldest dated monument known, and 

 Stela 3 is the fourth oldest;^ and it is to be expected that other early 

 texts will be found in the vicinity. The region is new territory, having 

 been penetrated for the first tune by chicleros less than three years ago. 

 Other important sites are known to exist beyond Uaxactun, at least one 

 having large standing buildings and sculptured monuments. 



The important bearing this site, and indeed the whole adjacent 

 region, may have on the much-vexed question of the origin of the Maya 

 civilization in its historical habitat, is readily apparent, and its further 

 investigation is strongly recommended. 



Van Deman, Esther B., Rome, Italy. Research Associate in Roman Arche- 

 ology. (For previous reports see Year Books Nos. 9-14.) 



Owing to the continued uncertainty concerning the conditions for 

 archeological work in Italy, it was deemed advisable not to return 

 to Rome before the beginning of 1916. The autumn months of 1915 

 were spent, therefore, in Washington, being devoted mainly to the 

 revision for publication of the first chapters of the work on Roman 

 concrete construction, mentioned in the previous reports. A dupli- 

 cate copy of all the material on hand was prepared, also, to be left in 

 charge of the Institution at Washington. The month of December 

 was spent in completing the necessary arrangements for the voyage 

 and for the resumption of the work in the field. On arrival at 

 Gibraltar, in January, it was found inadvisable to continue the 

 journey by sea beyond that point. In connection with the journey 

 through southern Spain by rail, a fortnight was devoted to a general 

 survey of the Roman remains most easily accessible at that season. 

 The principal ancient sites visited were Seville (the ancient Hispalis, 

 with the remains of the neighboring city of ItaUca), Valencia, Saguntum, 

 and Tarragona (the ancient Tarraco). 



It is clear from the remains seen, as well as from the reports con- 

 cerning those farther north, that the Roman monuments in Spain are 

 to be divided into two distinct classes. In the construction of the 

 first class, which resembles in many particulars that of the monu- 

 ments found in North Africa of the same period, the traditional 

 building methods of the region form an important if not the con- 



'If the doubtful reading of Stela 5 should be correct (i. e., 8.15.10.3.12), it becomes the next to 

 oldest dated monument and Stela 3 the fifth oldest. 



