Many Mayan cities are known for their longevity, demonstrating the most essential aspects of this civilization. On this occasion , Spiritual Energy will describe everything related to these places.
Mayan Cities
The Mayan civilization, also known as the Mesoamerican civilization, boasts over 110 Mayan cities, many of which remain in good condition. These are located primarily in Mexico , Guatemala , and Honduras.
The wide boom of this civilization is granted between the years 250 to 900 AD Denominated as well as the classic period of the Mayan civilization. Time in which the most outstanding Mayan cities were developed.
It should be noted that this civilization had great contributions to society, among which the reference to astronomy stands out. Likewise, one of the most striking characteristics of this culture is that the palaces and temples were built near the most important square. Site where relevant ceremonies were carried out for the inhabitants, among which were the offerings for the Gods.
In Mayan civilization, living near the main plazas specifically reflected social class. This is why the residences of princes and priests, who held the highest positions in Mayan society, were located very close to these plazas. In fact, the further a dwelling was located, even outside the city, the more likely it was that the poorest people lived there. Learn more about Mayan Myths.
The Mayan cities, which continue to exist, are undoubtedly a tourist destination. That allows to know much more about this civilization. So if you plan to visit them, the most important thing is that you first investigate everything related to this culture. So that once you are there you can learn much more about them.
Tikal
Located in Guatemala , it is considered one of the most important Mayan cities, belonging to the Classic period. This was the era in which the construction of large monuments and other works began, leading to the development of prominent settlements and the emergence of art, politics, and intellectual life.
The name Tikal means " place of voices ." When you visit this city, you will see more than three thousand diverse structures, including pyramids, temples, and much more. It is one of the Mayan cities that received UNESCO World Heritage status in the 1970s.
This city was home to approximately 100.000 people, resulting in an estimated 4.0000 buildings. Temple IV stands out among them , notable for its height of approximately 70 meters.
Another important aspect of this Mayan city is the presence of howler monkeys and other birds. It boasts the Great Pyramid , which is particularly captivating at the start of the day. Visitors are often impressed by its vast size, especially considering its location within the jungle.
In fact, it is one of the Mayan cities, which currently has a large number of temples in the jungle. One of the interesting features of this city is that it developed approximately 200 years before Copan. Integrating more than 62.000 inhabitants.
El Caracol
Located in Belize, this city is known for its ruins, which offer a truly unique experience. Because of this, it remains relatively untouched by tourism, which has been an advantage, allowing it to retain its beauty despite being situated in a jungle.
Among its main aspects, it is found that monkeys can be seen moving through the various pyramids. In addition to this, it is one of the Mayan cities, which has an extensive deposit of approximately more than 14 square kilometers. However, only a very small area can be accessed in it as the rest is spread throughout the jungle.
In fact, when visiting this Mayan city, people may be escorted by the army of this country. A clear indication that it is not a highly recommended site for tourism.
However, it is known to be one of the most interesting places, as far as archeology is concerned. Its first ruler is considered to have been in power approximately in the year 331 AD while the last ruled in the year 859.
Palenque
Located in Mexico , it is one of the most renowned Mayan cities. However, it is smaller than Tikal or Copán. In fact, only a small area of this site is open to the public.
Among the most significant aspects of this city is its prominent military power, particularly Calakmul , which maintained a constant war with Tikal for two centuries . Furthermore, this city is notable for having a renowned king named Pacal , a contemporary of King 12 of the Maya dynasty located in Honduras, known as Smoke Jaguar.
Yaxha
Also located in Guatemala , specifically in northern Petén , near Tikal, it is characterized by being built on small islands connected by various causeways and pathways. In addition, it features three enormous pyramids, situated very close together.
Chichén Itzá
It's another Mayan city, located in Mexico , specifically in Yucatán. In fact, it's also one of the most prominent cities in the world, and one of the seven modern wonders. Furthermore, it receives a large number of visitors, just like Tulum.
The Mayan city of Chichen Itza boasts a vast number of structures. Among the most important is El Castillo, also known as the Pyramid or Temple of Kukulcan. There, a serpent-like phenomenon is observed, created by the shadow cast on certain platforms of the structure annually at each solstice. This phenomenon is one of the most widely witnessed events by visitors.
This also constitutes the Temple of the Warriors, also known as the Ballcourt. Learn about the Mayan theories of the origin of the universe.
This is due to the fact that it has various courts where the ball game was played, a typical activity of this civilization. Likewise, in this city the wells that provided water to the inhabitants of those years are located. And also the places where the bodies of the people who sacrificed themselves were thrown, as an offering to the Gods.
Copan
Located in Honduras, very close to Guatemala , it is also one of the largest Mayan cities. It has a museum where visitors can appreciate everything related to the temples of that era, characterized by their vibrant colors.
Cradles of the Mayan cities are located in this city. Integrated in an impressive architectural works. Considered very advanced for that time, so it is considered that this city dates between the years 400 and 800 AD
El Mirador
It is another of the great Mayan cities, located in Guatemala. However, it is not as well-known because it is very difficult to access. It has a large number of buildings hidden in the trees, so it is considered a larger city than the well-known city of Los Angeles.
Although it receives visits, it does not exceed a thousand tourists annually. To be able to enter it, you undoubtedly have to have a travel guide. Well, it is located 55 kilometers from the nearest town.
Tulum
Another of the largest and most important Mayan cities, located in Mexico . Characterized by its proximity to the sea, a place where white sand beaches stand out.
black stones
It is considered an archaeological site of the Mayan culture, where great relics such as the pottery belonging to this city stand out. It is also considered the largest city in the Usumacinta Basin , a subregion of Mesoamerica that covered an area of the states of Tabasco and Chiapas in Mexico, as well as the Petén region in northeastern Guatemala.
It is therefore known as one of the most important cultural monuments in Guatemala , even though it is located in a remote area. The most important period for this Mayan city was between 600 and 810 AD.
Kyrgyzstan
Located in Guatemala. Considered the twin city of Copán , as it was also founded by Kinich Yax Kuk'Mo . Furthermore, the high society of this city and that of Copán were related.
Comalcalco
It is located in Mexico and its name means Home of the Comales , although it is known that in its beginnings it was cataloged as Joy Chan or Wrapped Sky.
This is one of the cities with ruins representing a cemetery from the Classic period. It was constructed with bricks and oyster shell stucco, making it the westernmost site of this civilization. This location is in the Chontalpa subregion , specifically above the Seco River, near what was once a vast tropical rainforest.
As you may have noticed, this Mesoamerican civilization boasts many cities that still stand today. These cities are comprised of unique buildings from that era, preserving the history of the culture and the most important achievements of its inhabitants. If you found this article interesting, you might also be interested in learning about Mayan legends.