The Mystery Of Belize's Pyramids: Exploring An Ancient Legacy

Belize is home to hundreds of Mayan pyramids, which are scattered throughout the country's jungles, hills, and caves. The Caracol pyramid, located in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, is the largest in Belize, standing at 140-143 feet tall. The country's Mayan ruins also include the Lamanai Archeological Reserve, which is one of the largest Mayan sites in Belize, and Altun Ha, which is one of the country's best-excavated sites.

The Caracol pyramid in Belize is the tallest man-made structure in the country

Belize is home to many pyramids and archaeological sites, remnants of the ancient Maya world. One of the most notable pyramids in Belize is the Caracol pyramid, also known as Caana or Sky Palace. Located in the Cayo District of Belize, Caracol is situated on a high plateau in the foothills of the Maya Mountains, approximately 40 kilometres south of the town of San Ignacio.

The Caracol pyramid is the tallest man-made structure in Belize, standing at 140 feet or 43 metres tall. It is part of a large ancient Maya archaeological site that was once a thriving city and a significant regional political centre during the Classic Period. The site covers an extensive area of approximately 200 square kilometres, much larger than present-day Belize City, and is believed to have supported a population of over 100,000 people.

The Caracol site was first reported by a native logger named Rosa Mai in 1937 and was later named by the archaeological commissioner, A. Hamilton Anderson, in 1938. The name "Caracol" is derived from the Spanish word for "snail" or "shell," reflecting the winding access road that led to the site. The site has been the focus of ongoing archaeological excavations and investigations since the 1950s, revealing its rich history and cultural significance.

The Caracol pyramid, Caana, is an impressive structure that showcases the architectural prowess of the ancient Maya civilisation. It consists of four palaces and three temples, with the palace rooms originally coated in white stucco and adorned with red paint. The pyramid rises majestically above the surrounding jungle, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.

In addition to the Caracol pyramid, the larger Caracol site encompasses five plazas, an astronomic observatory, and over 35,000 identified buildings. The site also boasts an extensive network of causeways, or sacbeob, that connect different parts of the city and facilitated economic integration. The discovery of hieroglyphic texts and artefacts has provided valuable insights into the history and cultural practices of the ancient Maya people.

Today, Caracol is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and a chance to explore the majestic pyramids and temples. The site is accessible via a paved road, and tours are available from San Ignacio and other nearby towns. The journey to Caracol takes visitors through the lush Chiquibul Rainforest, providing an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Belize.

The El Castillo pyramid in Belize is the second-largest building in the country

Belize is home to numerous Mayan ruins, including several pyramids. One of the most notable is El Castillo, a pyramid located within the ancient Mayan archaeological site of Xunantunich. Xunantunich is situated in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. The site served as a Maya civic and ceremonial centre during the Late and Terminal Classic periods.

El Castillo is an impressive structure, rising to a height of approximately 130 feet (40 metres), making it the second-largest building in Belize. It is surpassed only by the pyramid at Caracol, which stands at 140 feet (42 metres) tall. El Castillo is a central feature of Xunantunich, serving as the "axis mundi" or the intersection of the two cardinal lines. The pyramid is constructed in a series of terraces, with fine stucco or "friezes" on the final stage. These friezes depict the birth of a god associated with the royal family, the Mayan gods of creation, and the sacred Tree of Life.

The construction of El Castillo is believed to have occurred in two stages, with the earlier structure, dubbed Structure A-6-2nd, dating to around 800 AD, and the later structure, Structure A-6-1st, built at a later time. The earlier structure had three doorways, while the later structure only included doors on the north and south sides. The pyramid sits atop a series of terraces and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including parts of Belize and neighbouring Guatemala.

Xunantunich, as a whole, covers approximately one square mile (2.6 square km) and consists of six plazas, more than two dozen temples and palaces, ball courts, and hundreds of mounds yet to be excavated. The site was first explored in the mid-1890s by Thomas Gann, who moved to the region due to his interest in Maya archaeology. Subsequent excavations and research have been conducted by archaeologists such as Sir J. Eric S. Thompson and Euan MacKie, contributing to our understanding of the site's history and significance.

The El Castillo pyramid in Belize is a remarkable example of Mayan architecture and stands as the second-largest building in the country. Its size and decorative features showcase the skill and importance of this ancient civilisation.

The Lamanai site in Belize is one of the largest Mayan ceremonial centres in the region

Lamanai, meaning "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec Maya, is a significant Mesoamerican archaeological site in northern Belize. It is one of the few Mayan sites that have retained their original name. Lamanai is one of the largest Maya ceremonial centres in the region and is known for its exceptionally long occupation, spanning three millennia. The site was occupied from as early as the 16th century BC until the late 17th century AD, continuing even after the Spanish conquest of Yucatán.

Lamanai is located on the banks of the New River Lagoon, covering an area of 3.5 square miles. The site features over 700 structures, including monumental architecture of temples and palaces. The main ceremonial structures have been restored, while the rest of the site remains untouched, with trails leading through rainforest-covered pyramids. The site can be accessed by boat from Orange Walk Town or by dirt road through the Mennonite area of Shipyard.

Lamanai is renowned for its rich history and cultural significance. During the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD, it became a prominent centre. In 625 AD, "Stele 9" was erected in the Yucatec language of the Maya. The site also includes remnants of two 16th-century Spanish churches and a colonial sugar mill established in 1860.

One of the main attractions at Lamanai is the well-preserved mask of a Maya ruler emerging from a crocodile headdress. The site offers a unique glimpse into the culture and biological diversity of the tropical rainforest. Visitors can explore the ancient temples, enjoy the amazing scenery, and observe wildlife such as birds, crocodiles, and iguanas.

The Altun Ha site in Belize is home to the largest jade carving in Mayan civilisation

Belize is home to a plethora of Mayan archaeological sites, including the Altun Ha site, which is located around 30 miles north of Belize City. Altun Ha, which translates to "Rock Stone Pond" or "stone water", is known for being a major ceremonial and trade centre during the Classic Period.

The site is home to two principal plazas, with around 13 Mayan temples and residential structures. A unique feature of Altun Ha is the absence of carved stelae. However, the site's most notable artifact is a large jade carving of the Maya sun god, Kinich Ahau. Weighing almost 10 pounds, with a height of 6 inches, the Altun Ha Jade Head is considered the largest jade carving in Mayan civilisation.

The jade used to create this artifact was imported from ancient mines in eastern Guatemala's Motagua River valley. Today, the original carving is considered the crown jewel of Belize and is displayed at the Central Bank of Belize. A replica of the Jade Head can also be found at the bank, and its likeness is watermarked on all Belizean currency.

The Altun Ha site is rich in wildlife, with species such as armadillos, bats, squirrels, agouti, paca, foxes, raccoons, coati, tyra, tapir, and the white-tailed deer. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, and large crocodiles inhabit the Maya-made water reservoir.

The Xunantunich site in Belize was opened to visitors in 1950

Belize is home to many ancient Maya archaeological sites, including the famous Caracol, which means "snail" or "conch shell" in Spanish. Caracol, located in western Belize, is one of the largest Maya centres in the country and holds the tallest man-made structure in Belize, the Canaa pyramid, which rises to 140 feet.

Another significant Maya site in Belize is Xunantunich, located in the Cayo District, about 70 miles west of Belize City. Xunantunich, meaning "Maiden of the Rock" or "Stone Woman" in the Maya languages, served as a civic ceremonial centre for the Belize Valley region during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. The site was first explored in the 1890s by Dr Thomas Gann, a British medical officer, and has been the subject of various excavations and restorations since.

The core of Xunantunich covers about one square mile and consists of six plazas surrounded by over 26 temples and palaces. The site is divided into four sections, with Group A being the most central and significant. One of its notable structures is the pyramid "El Castillo", the second tallest in Belize, standing at 130 feet. "El Castillo" served as the axis mundi of the site, representing the intersection of two cardinal lines.

In 1959-60, archaeologist Euan MacKie carried out excavations at Xunantunich as part of the Cambridge Expedition to British Honduras. MacKie's detailed recording of the stratigraphy of the superficial deposits provided insights into the sudden disaster that marked the end of the Classic period occupation.

The site of Xunantunich, with its impressive pyramids, temples, and palaces, has been opened to visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the ancient Maya civilisation.

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