Exploring Belize's Mayan Ruins: A Historical Adventure

Belize is home to the largest number of ancient Maya ruins in Central America. The land that is now Belize was once the heartland of the ancient Maya Empire, and the country has more than 600 Mayan sites. The ancient Maya civilisation thrived for over 2,000 years, reaching its peak when Europe was in the Dark Ages. The Maya people built sacred temples, pyramids, palaces, and other impressive structures, all without the use of iron or the wheel. Today, visitors to Belize can explore the best-preserved ruins and gain a deeper understanding of this mysterious ancient empire.

Caracol, a powerful Maya kingdom

Caracol is a modern name derived from the Spanish word for "snail" or "shell", possibly referring to the winding access road that led to the site. Its original Maya name was Oxhuitza, or "Place of Three Hills". The city covered an area of about 200 square kilometres, much larger than present-day Belize City, and supported a population of over 100,000.

Caracol was a major political centre of the Maya Lowlands during the Classic Period (c. 250-900 AD). It was founded in 331 AD by Te' K'ab Chaak, also known as the "'Tree Branch Rain God'. The city was initially a client state of the powerful city of Tikal to the northwest but later shifted its alliance to its rival, Calakmul.

Caracol's most notable ruler was Yajaw Te' K'inich II, also known as Lord Water, who ascended the throne in 553 AD. In 562 AD, he led a successful "star war" against Tikal, resulting in a 120-year hiatus for Tikal during which no new buildings or monuments were erected. This marked the start of Caracol's rise as a powerful kingdom.

Yajaw Te' K'inich II passed the throne to his son, K'an II, in 599 AD. K'an II is considered Caracol's most successful ruler, reigning for 40 years and overseeing a period of expansion and population growth. He continued the rivalry with Tikal, defeating it in a series of wars and establishing Caracol's dominance in the region.

Caracol reached its peak during the Late Classic period (c. 550-900 AD), with a unique burial pattern and an extensive system of causeways connecting different parts of the city. The city boasted over 260 structures per square kilometre, including pyramids, temples, ball courts, and residential complexes.

However, like many other Maya cities, Caracol underwent a period of decline and abandonment around 900-1000 AD. The last recorded date at Caracol is 859 AD, and the site was likely abandoned by the middle of the 11th century.

Today, Caracol is the largest Maya archaeological site in Belize and offers visitors a glimpse into the past with its excavated and stabilised structures.

Lamanai, the longest continually occupied site in Mesoamerica

The site was occupied as early as the 16th century BC and became a prominent centre in the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD. Lamanai continued to be occupied until the 17th century AD, even after the Spanish conquest of Yucatán, during which Spanish friars established two Roman Catholic churches at the site. However, a Maya revolt eventually drove the Spanish out, and the site was subsequently incorporated by the British.

Lamanai's remote location contributed to its continuous occupation, and its position on the New River Lagoon allowed its inhabitants to access valuable trade routes throughout its 3,500-year occupation. The site is home to numerous structures, including the Jaguar Temple, the High Temple, and the Mask Temple, adorned by two impressive carved limestone masks over 13 feet (3.9 metres) in height.

While Lamanai is primarily associated with the Maya civilisation, the cultural landscape also includes vestiges of colonial and post-colonial occupation, as well as elements of modern-day Belize. The ruins of two 16th-century Spanish churches symbolise historical forced religious conversion and indigenous resistance, while the ruins of a nearby brick sugar mill represent the period when the area was a British sugar plantation that relied on enslaved and indentured labour.

Today, Lamanai is accessible to tourists by boat or road, and a small museum exhibits local artefacts and provides a historical overview. Visitors can climb the temples to enjoy spectacular views, but they are warned to be cautious as the steps can be steep, uneven, and slippery.

Altun Ha, one of Belize's best-excavated sites

The site boasts two main plazas surrounded by over 500 mounds, including 13 excavated Maya temples and residential structures. Notably, Altun Ha lacks the carved stelae commonly found at other Maya sites, but it is renowned for its discovery of Belize's famous Jade Head. This large jade carving of the Maya sun god "Kinich Ahau" weighs almost 10 pounds and is the largest jade artefact ever found in the Maya region. A replica of the Jade Head is on display at the Central Bank of Belize, and its likeness graces the country's currency.

Altun Ha's history spans centuries, from its initial inhabitation around 900 BC to its peak during the Classic Period and its eventual abandonment by the Post Classic era (900-1200 AD). The site served as a crucial trading link between the Caribbean coast and interior Maya centres, attracting the rich and powerful Mayans. This is evident from the exotic trade items and lavish burial goods discovered within its tombs.

Today, visitors can explore the excavated structures, admire the restored temples, and climb to the top of some for breathtaking views. The site is easily accessible, located just an hour's drive from the Belize City Port and connected to the Old Northern Highway. Visitors can also enjoy the diverse flora and fauna of the surrounding lowland tropical forests and observe wildlife such as bats, foxes, white-tail deer, and tapirs.

Altun Ha's well-preserved ruins and rich archaeological findings offer a glimpse into the lives and rituals of the ancient Maya, making it a must-visit destination for those interested in Maya history and culture.

Xunantunich, a Classic Period ceremonial centre

Xunantunich, pronounced "shoo-nan-too-neech", is a significant Mayan archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. It is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, just 0.6 miles (1 km) from the Guatemala border. The name Xunantunich means "Maiden of the Rock" or "Stone Woman" in the Maya languages Mopan and Yucatec, derived from the words "Xunaan" (noble lady) and "Tuunich" (stone for sculpture). The site is believed to have been inhabited by the first settlers between 600BC and 300BC, with the construction of the ruined city taking place from around 650-700AD.

Xunantunich served as a major Maya civic ceremonial centre during the Late and Terminal Classic periods. The core of the city covers about one square mile (2.6 km2) and consists of six plazas surrounded by over 25 temples and palaces. The site is divided into four sections – Group A, Group B, Group C, and Group D, with Group A being the most significant to the people. One of the most well-known structures within the site is the pyramid "El Castillo", which is the second tallest structure in Belize at 130 feet (40 m) tall. "El Castillo" features intricate stucco friezes depicting astronomical symbols, as well as three carved stelae.

Xunantunich was first explored by Europeans in the late 19th century, with major excavations taking place in 1959-60. The site is accessible via a unique river crossing experience, where visitors can ride a hand-cranked ferry across the Mopan River. From there, it is a short, scenic uphill ride to the visitor's centre and site museum. Visitors can explore the extensive excavations, climb temples, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest and nearby settlements.

Cahal Pech, the oldest-known ruins in the Belize River Valley

Cahal Pech was a palatial, hilltop home to an elite Maya family during the Classic period, with evidence of continuous habitation dating back to as early as 1200 BCE, or even earlier, during the Early Middle Formative period (Early Middle Preclassic). This makes Cahal Pech one of the oldest recognisably Maya sites in Western Belize. The site was abandoned in the 9th century CE, and the reason remains unknown.

The archaeological site consists of seven plazas and over 30 structures, including temples, residential buildings, two ball courts, an altar, and a sweat house, all within an area of just 2 acres. The tallest temple, at 25 meters in height, offers a commanding view of the surrounding Belize River Valley. The site also features a royal burial chamber, where a ruler was laid to rest with artefacts such as shell and bone ornaments, pottery vessels, obsidian blades, and jade objects.

The visitor centre at Cahal Pech provides valuable insights into the origins of the site, with a model of the complex, paintings depicting Cahal Pech in its heyday, and an interpretive film. The site also houses a small museum with artefacts from various ongoing excavations.

Cahal Pech is a valuable source of information about the Preclassic period, offering a glimpse into the residential architecture and sophistication of the ancient Maya civilisation. Its hilltop location provides panoramic views of San Ignacio and the Belize River Valley, making it a rewarding destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path archaeological experience in Belize.

Frequently asked questions