Ancient Central America DestinationsGUATEMALA: One of the most exotic locations to visit in Central America is Guatemala. Known worldwide for its spectacular natural sights and ancient Maya ruins, Guatemala is an archaeological paradise for all types of explorers.
Photo:© Hector Garcia
Located in the Northern Guatemala region of El Peten lies the Mayan city of Tikal. It contains thousands of structures extending over 6 square miles. Royal palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms and ball courts are all present here. The city was founded during the Late Pre-Classic Period (400 BC - 300 AD). Most of the monuments seen today stems from the reign of a ruler called Ah Cacaw who came to power in 682 AD. Many people consider Tikal to be the most famous Mayan site ever built. The most prominent buildings of this enormous site includes 6 large step pyramids labelled Temples 1-5. The main attraction at Tikal is the Temple of the Great Jaguar or Temple 1. It stands at a height of approximately 144 feet and its base measures 111 feet. The pyramid has 9 levels and is crowned by a high crest. It was built as a funerary temple for Ah Cacaw. Temple 1 features the "new" vertical architectural style pyramid that was introduced during the ruler's reign. Archaeological excavations led to the discovery of Ah Cacaw's body which was kept in a crypt at the base of the pyramid. His body was covered with 180 pieces of jade beads. Today, Ah Cacaw's body can be seen on display at the site's local museum. (More Photos)
Another ancient site in the Peten region of Guatemala that few travellers know about is Uaxactun. It is about 25 miles north of Tikal. In 378 AD, the city was conquered and ruled by Tikal's military commander Smoking Frog. The city maintained a short period of power and prestige but by the end of Smoking Frog's successor's reign (Curl Nose) the city was abandoned. The site is believed to have some of the oldest relics from the Mayan world. Although the city is no where as large as Tikal, Uaxactun has its own small share of monuments. The most dominant monument is probably the Temple of the Masks (aka Structure EVII SUB). The temple was constructed during the Pre-Classic period and has 16 stucco masks (4 on each side). The temple has only come into clear view because of the complete removal of a late Classic temple pyramid that was built above it. The later temple pyramid was removed because of its poor condition. Luckily for both archaeologists and travellers it has preserved Structure EVII SUB very well so that it can be seen today.
BELIZE: The outdoor beauty of its jungles and the legacy of its Maya past still echoes here. Belize provides the ultimate open classroom for students and the adventurous traveller heading to Central America. The country is well suited for outdoor enthusiasts or off the beaten track treks. Belize is a personal and educational discovery for the archaeologist within us all.
Photo:
Kelcey Kinjo
Located 30 miles north of Belize city is the Mayan site of Altun-Ha. Occupied by 200 BC this ancient site covers an area of about 5 miles and has more than 500 structures. Many of these structures are still unexcavated mounds. The site's most important and largest temple-pyramid is the Temple of the Masonry Altars. It stands about 60 feet high and contains a round altar on top (Structure B-4). The temple is believed to have been the focus of unusual sacrificial ceremonies. (More Photos) Aside from several tombs found in this temple there was one significant find that made Altun-Ha one of the top ancient destinations to visit in Central America. This includes a solid jade head of a Sun God called "Kinich Ahau". Weighing about 10 pounds and at a height of 6 inches it is the largest jade piece yet discovered in the Mayan world and is considered one of Belize's national treasures.
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