MAYAN CITIES

Xunantunich, Belize

Xunantunich is a large site in the Maya Mountains of western Belize, about 5 miles from the Guatemalan border. The site is located on a mountain top, and consists of a series of pyramids and plazas situated on a north-south axis on both sides of a large temple pyramid.

The site was settled as early as 200 B.C., but most of the structures extant today date from the 11th and 12th centuries. The main pyramid towers over the site, giving commanding views in all directions. It appears to have acted as an astronomical observatory or marker.

View of the site and the main pyramid from the north.
View from the main pyramid to the north.
Side view of the main pyramid, showing vaulted construction and sculptural frieze.
Detail view of sculptural frieze with astronomical symbols and hieroglyphics.

Andreas Kultermann,andreask@interl.net
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