Saburo Sugiyama

Saburo Sugiyama is a Research Professor at the School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University (ASU), and Professor Emeritus at Aichi Prefectural University, Japan. He is an affiliated researcher at Okayama University’s Research Institute for the Dynamics of Civilizations and a resident researcher at the Getty Research Institute (2023–2024). His work focuses on Mesoamerican social histories, Teotihuacan urbanism, iconography, cognitive archaeology, and LiDAR-based 3D mapping of ancient cities.

He has directed major projects like the Moon Pyramid Project (1998–2004), co-directed excavations at Teotihuacan’s Sun Pyramid (2008–2011), and currently coordinates the “Cosmic Mesoamerican Cities in 3D” initiative. This program uses LiDAR to map sites like Monte Albán, Cholula, and the Templo Mayor, integrating data on burials and artifacts to explore cognitive evolution and social hierarchy.

His research emphasizes Teotihuacan’s monumental architecture, sacrificial rituals, and interactions with Maya civilizations. Key publications include studies on primate captivity as diplomatic gifts, mitochondrial DNA analysis of indigenous populations, and the urban layout’s cosmological symbolism. He has curated exhibitions such as “Ancient Mexico: Maya, Aztec, and Teotihuacan” (Tokyo National Museum, 2023–24) and contributed to international conferences and documentaries.

• Awards:
  • 2023: Emperor of Japan’s ‘Orden del Tesoro Sagrado’
  • 2016: H.B. Nicholson Award (Harvard University)
  • 2013: Shanghai Archaeology Forum Research Prize

His advising and grants involve collaborations across institutions, including Mexico’s INAH and Okayama University. Ongoing projects include 3D mapping of Yagul and San José Mogote with Dr. Nelly Robles, and continued excavations at Teotihuacan’s Plaza de las Columnas. His work bridges archaeology with bio-cultural perspectives, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding ancient Mesoamerican societies.