What was found on Altun Ha?
Late Classic. In general, the elite burials at Altun Ha during the Late Classic can be characterized by large amounts of jade. Over 800 pieces of jade have been recovered at the site. More than 60 of these pieces are carved.
What does Altun Ha means?
Rockstone Pond
This popular Mayan site, speckled with tombs, pyramids and temples, served as a trading nexus during the Mayan Empire’s Classic Period (A.D. 250 to 900). Altun Ha —meaning “Rockstone Pond” in Yucatec Maya — features a man-made lagoon, which remains intact.
What was Altun Ha used for?
Altun Ha was a wealthy ceremonial center boasting two main plazas, thirteen structures (including the Temple of Sun God or the Temple of the Masonry Altars). Altun Ha is not very far from the Caribbean Sea and it formed part of a unique cultural zone along with other coastal sites.
Who built Altun Ha?
This discovery of the largest jade artifact in the Mayan world, made the Altun Ha ruins famous. The Altun Ha Jade Head is 14.9 centimeters high and weighs 4.42 kilograms. It is believed that the Mayans laid this object on the body of a deceased member of the royal family within the tomb during their burial ceremony.
Are there Mayan ruins in Belize?
The only Mayan ruins in Belize located along the coast, Cerros is a different experience from other archeological sites you might visit on your trip to Central America. Rather than hiding in a twisted jungle, the decaying structures stand out against the turquoise sea and bright blue sky.
How old are Mayan ruins in Belize?
Scattered deep within the jungles, atop steep hills and within historic caves are some of Belize’s top-rated attractions: Mayan ruins. The archeological sites have stood in these very places since the Maya civilization’s dominance over much of Mesoamerica, between 2,000 and 3,000 years ago.
What is the largest known Mayan site in Belize?
Caracol
Caracol, the largest Mayan city in Belize, grew into a large, powerful Mayan city located in the Maya Mountains. The citizens of Caracol eventually conquered Tikal itself after one of the many wars between these two giant city-states.
Are there pyramids in Belize?
Tucked inside the Chiquibul Forest is one of the most important Mayan ruins in Belize: Caracol. The pyramid, which is the tallest man-made building in Belize, ascends 143 feet into the clouds and houses four distinct palaces and three temples.
Are there Mayan ruins on Ambergris Caye?
There are many small Mayan sites on Ambergris Caye. Unfortunately, the sea, wind, and history have conspired to turn most of the sites into little more than vegetation covered mounds. The sites are also located in hard to reach places requiring guides, time, and not a little insect repelent.
Where should you not stay in Belize?
Belize safety is highest in popular tourist destinations like Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye. On the other hand, areas along the Guatemalan border, as well as parts of southern Belize City, are the most dangerous.
Where are the ruins of Altun Ha in Belize?
Altun Ha. Altun Ha /ɑːlˈtuːn hɑː/ is the name given to the ruins of an ancient Mayan city in Belize, located in the Belize District about 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Belize City and about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) west of the shore of the Caribbean Sea. The site covers an area of about 8 square kilometres (3.1 sq mi).
How big was the city of Altun Ha?
Altun Ha’s history dates back as far 900BC, but having only been discovered in the 1950s and with relatively little excavated, not much is known about the city. The archaeological site covers a fraction of the city which was spread over an area of 25 square miles and was home to approximately 10,000 people.
How did the Altun Ha Temple get its name?
The temple is situated beside the reservoir that gives Altun Ha its name – a modern Yucatec translation of the name of a nearby village, “Rockstone Pond”. The tomb dates to 250ADand its proximity to the reservoir suggests that the two structures symbolise Altun Ha’s evolution from settlement to city under the guidance of Teotihuacan.
Where are the Mayan ruins in Belize located?
Temple of the Masonry Altars. Shown within Belize. Altun Ha /ɑːlˈtuːn hɑː/ is the name given to the ruins of an ancient Mayan city in Belize, located in the Belize District about 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Belize City and about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) west of the shore of the Caribbean Sea.
