Heritage with Related Tags
Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche
Located in the central/southern Yucatán Peninsula in southern Mexico, the site includes the remains of the important Maya city of Calakmul, located deep in the tropical forest of the Tierras Bajas. The city played a key role in the history of the region for over twelve centuries and is characterized by well-preserved architecture that vividly depicts life in the ancient Maya capital. The site also belongs to the Mesoamerican Biodiversity Hotspot, the third largest in the world, covering all subtropical and tropical ecosystems from central Mexico to the Panama Canal.
Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
Inhabited since the 2nd century AD, Quiriguá became the capital of an autonomous and prosperous state during the reign of Cauac Sky (723-84). The Quiriguá ruins contain some outstanding 8th-century monuments and an impressive series of stelae and carved calendars, which are important sources for the study of Mayan civilization.
Tikal National Park
Deep in the jungle, surrounded by dense vegetation, lies one of the main sites of the Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century BC to the 10th century AD. The ceremonial center contained ornate temples and palaces, as well as a public plaza accessible by a ramp. The remains of dwellings are scattered throughout the surrounding countryside.
Maya Site of Copan
One of the most important sites of Mayan civilization, the ruins of Copan were discovered by Diego García de Palacio in 1570 and remained unexcavated until the 19th century. The ruins of the citadel and the magnificent public square reveal three major stages of development of the city before it was abandoned in the early 10th century.
Takalik Abah National Archaeological Park
The archaeological site of Tak'alik Ab'aj is located on Guatemala's Pacific coast. It is a 1,700-year-old site that shows the evolution of the Olmec civilization into the early Maya. Tak'alik Ab'aj played a major role in this process, in part because it controlled a long-distance trade route that connected the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in present-day Mexico to El Salvador. There was a great cross-fertilization of ideas and customs along this route. The site's sanctuaries and buildings were arranged according to cosmological principles, and there were innovative water systems, pottery, and gem art. Today, the site is still considered sacred and used by different indigenous groups for ritual activities.
Sian Ka'an
In the language of the Maya people who once inhabited the area, Sian Ka'an means "origin of the sky". Located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, this biosphere reserve contains tropical forests, mangroves and swamps, as well as vast marine areas divided by a large barrier reef. It provides habitat for an extremely rich flora and fauna, including more than 300 bird species, and a large number of terrestrial vertebrates endemic to the region, all living together in a diverse environment formed by its complex hydrological system.
Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque
Palenque is an example of a Maya sacred site from the Classic period, which reached its peak between 500 and 700 AD and whose influence spread throughout the Usumacinta River valley. The elegance and craftsmanship of the architecture, as well as the lightness of the reliefs with Maya mythological themes, are testament to the creative genius of this civilization.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
This sacred site was one of the largest Maya centers in the Yucatan Peninsula. During its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec views of the world and the universe were reflected in their stone monuments and artwork. The fusion of Maya building techniques with new elements from central Mexico made Chichen Itza one of the most important examples of Maya-Toltec civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula. Several buildings have survived, such as the Temple of the Warriors, El Castillo, and the circular observatory known as El Caracol.
Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza
This sacred site was one of the largest Maya centers in the Yucatan Peninsula. During its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec views of the world and the universe were reflected in their stone monuments and artwork. The fusion of Maya building techniques with new elements from central Mexico made Chichen Itza one of the most important examples of Maya-Toltec civilization in the Yucatan Peninsula. Several buildings have survived, such as the Temple of the Warriors, El Castillo, and the circular observatory known as El Caracol.
Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
The Maya town of Uxmal in Yucatán was founded around 700 AD and had about 25,000 inhabitants. The structures were built between 700 and 1000 AD and their layout shows an understanding of astronomy. The "Pyramid of the Diviner," as the Spanish called it, dominates the ceremonial center, which features elaborately designed buildings adorned with symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting the rain god Chak. Ceremonial sites such as Uxmal, Kerba, Labna and Sayil are considered the pinnacle of Maya art and architecture.
Pre-Hispanic Town of Uxmal
The Maya town of Uxmal in Yucatán was founded around 700 AD and had about 25,000 inhabitants. The structures were built between 700 and 1000 AD and their layout shows an understanding of astronomy. The "Pyramid of the Diviner," as the Spanish called it, dominates the ceremonial center, which features elaborately designed buildings adorned with symbolic motifs and sculptures depicting the rain god Chak. Ceremonial sites such as Uxmal, Kerba, Labna and Sayil are considered the pinnacle of Maya art and architecture.