Acoustical Archaeology

The staircase of this Mayan temple (late postclassic) produces a chirped echo in response to a handclap. The chirped echo resembles the primary call of the quetzal - a bird long held sacred to the Maya and related cultures in Mexico and Central America. Is this a case of intentional acoustical engineering by ancients?

The Great Ball Court has two remarkable acoustic features: A profound flutter echo is heard in the playing field. The flutter echo persists for nearly two seconds, and is stimulated by a handclap. A whispering gallery allows two way communication between the end temples and the playing field. Is this intentional acoustical architecture?

Summary of a key paper to the Norfolk, VA meeting of the Acoustical Society of America in fall, 1998. Link to second page shows sonograms. This paper stimulated much coverage in the popular scientific press, examples of which are shown below.

This Science News story included the doubting criticism of two of three archaeologists that was rebutted on my web page. One of these doubters has since discovered the overlooked importance of sound to the Maya. Perhaps this work encouraged that discovery.

Scientific American included the chirping pyramid paper in its article

This is another article stimulated by the Norfolk presentation.

Radio interviews on the chirping pyramid were aired on National Public radio, BBC Scotland, BBC London, German national radio, and French radio.