Uaxactun
Petén
Uaxactun is an ancient Maya archaeological site located in the Petén Basin of Guatemala, approximately 19 kilometers north of the major center of Tikal. It is renowned as a sacred place of the Maya civilization, with its ancient name translating roughly as "Born in Heaven." The site was rediscovered in 1916 by archaeologist Sylvanus Morley, who named it Uaxactun, meaning "Eight Stones," commemorating the earliest known Maya calendar inscription from 328 AD found there. Extensive excavations by the Carnegie Institution from 1926 to 1937 revealed well-preserved temples beneath ruined late Classic pyramids, greatly enhancing understanding of early Classic and pre-Classic Maya culture. Uaxactun played a pivotal role during the Classic period, especially after its conquest by Siyaj K'ak' in 378 AD, linking its history closely to Tikal. Despite periods of decline, the site shows evidence of architectural and population growth in the Late Classic era before eventual abandonment by the Terminal Classic. Today, Uaxactun is part of Guatemala's Tikal National Park and the Maya Biosphere Reserve, preserving its cultural and natural heritage within the tropical rainforest.
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Consejo: Visitors are advised to plan their visit during the dry season for easier access and more comfortable exploration. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended as the site is within a protected reserve with limited daily visitors. Guided tours can enrich the experience by providing historical context and insights into the site's significance. Modest physical fitness is recommended due to uneven terrain and the tropical environment. Be prepared for basic facilities and bring water, insect repellent, and sun protection.
Datos interesantes
- •Uaxactun contains the earliest known Maya calendar date inscription, dating to 328 AD.
- •The name 'Uaxactun' was coined by Sylvanus Morley and is a pun referencing Washington, D.C., home of the Carnegie Institute.
- •The site was a key center during the Classic Maya period and was politically linked to Tikal after conquest by Siyaj K'ak' in 378 AD.
- •Excavations revealed well-preserved temples beneath later ruined pyramids, providing insights into early Maya architecture.
- •Uaxactun is located within the Maya Biosphere Reserve, a large protected tropical forest area in Guatemala.
Historia
Uaxactun was rediscovered in 1916 by Sylvanus Morley, who named the site after the Maya words for "Eight Stones." The site was extensively excavated by the Carnegie Institution between 1926 and 1937, uncovering early Classic and pre-Classic temples.
In 378 AD, Uaxactun was conquered by Siyaj K'ak', a general possibly from Teotihuacán, which marked a significant political shift in the Maya lowlands.
The site remained important through the Early Classic period but experienced decline during the Hiatus period around 600 AD.
Late Classic resurgence occurred before eventual abandonment by the Terminal Classic era.
In 1982, Uaxactun was incorporated into Guatemala's Tikal National Park and later became part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve.
Guía del lugar
Central Acropolis and Early TemplesPre-Classic to Early Classic period
This area contains some of the earliest known temple structures at Uaxactun, uncovered beneath later constructions. These temples provide valuable insight into pre-Classic and Early Classic Maya religious architecture and practices.
Late Classic Temple-PyramidsLate Classic period
These ruined pyramids date from the Late Classic era and were partially dismantled during archaeological excavations to reveal earlier structures. They illustrate the architectural evolution and changes in ritual practices over centuries.
