Cahal Pech: One of Belize's Most Impressive Mayan Sites

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Cahal Pech: One of Belize's Most Impressive Mayan Sites

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Before the arrival of the Europeans in Belize, the country used to be a hotbed for the Mayan civilization, with many city-states dotting the country and leaving it today with various archaeological sites that leave tourists in awe. Of these ancient archaeological sites, one of the most prominent is Cahal Pech located near the town of San Ignacio.

Cahal Pech is considered to be a major ceremonial site located atop a small hill overlooking the Belizean town of San Ignacio, from which the archaeological site is only about 20 minutes. Established in 1000 BC and abandoned in 800 AD, the name of the site literally translates to "Place of Ticks" in modern translation. This name was given in the 1950's when the area was used as a cattle pasture. These cattle pastures are known in the country to be a breeding ground for ticks.

The entire area has a size two acres scattered with 34 structures. Majority of these structures are temples that form around to create 7 courtyards. The position of the ancient site atop the hill and the structures' intricate architecture could possibly mean that Cahal Pech was once the residence of Mayan royalty, as evidenced by a royal burial chamber in one of the structures. Inside were the remains of one of the rulers together with things needed for the afterlife, like a mosaic masks, pottery and jade ornaments. Aside from the temples, there are also two ball courts, residential buildings, and a sweathouse. The tallest of the structures go up to a height of 77 feet, which shall give you a very good view of the surroundings.

Work on Cahal Pech remains at preliminary stages. However, it is already open to the public to see and enjoy. The museum and visitor center in the site has a model of the entire complex, along with interpretative paintings of the site during its days of peak activity. A short day trip to this site will make up for a good introduction to the history of this country.

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Tags: • history • paintings • museum • pottery • masks • afterlife • royalty • architecture • temples • civilization • san ignacio • archaeological sites • mayan civilization • mayan sites • cahal pech •

• Place of the Ticks: An Archaeological Destination (tourist attractions)
• Mayan Site: Seeing Caracol (mayan history)
• The Rise (and Fall) of the Mayans (mayan history)
• El Caracol: One of the Most Important Mayan Sites in Belize (mayan sites)
• More related articles for El Caracol: One of the Most Important Mayan Sites in Belize

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