Overview:

Altun Ha is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located near Belize City, Belize. The largest and most impressive of its ruins is the Temple of the Masonry Altars. It was there that a large, carved jade head, believed to be a representation of the sun god Kinich Ahau, was discovered. The site is believed to have served as a major trading center from 300-900 A.D., and was home to a population of more than 4,000 people at its peak. Today, the Temple of the Masonry Altars is one of the best-preserved and most remaining structures in the area. Visitors to Altun Ha can explore the remnants of several plazas, sculptures, altars, and palaces, and view artifacts such as pottery, jade, and other stone items. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

The main structure of the Altun Ha Sun God Temple, also known as the Temple of the Masonry Altars, is a small stepped pyramid mounted on a ridge in the Maya ruins of Altun Ha, located in northern Belize, near the Caribbean Sea. Its core consists of a single structure of six layers, each one on top of the other, with seven steps in total. The main feature of the temple is a carved jaguar mask, facing east, which was associated by the Maya with Kinich Ahau, the Sun God. The mask is over two metres tall and sits atop a temple stairway leading to the temple's main chamber. Other features adorning the temple include several stone altars, finely carved masks and other symbolism. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Altun Ha is an ancient Mayan archaeological site located in northern Belize, south of the town of San Pedro Columbia. It is the site of a temple to the sun god Kinich Ahau, who was believed to be the source of life. The site was first identified in the 1950s, and the site’s first major excavation took place in 1963 and was led by British archaeologist David Pendergast. The main temple was discovered in 1964 and its excavation uncovered an impressive array of exquisite statuary, including two jade masks and a huge carved stela known as the "Altun Ha King". Altun Ha served as a major commercial trading hub for the Maya and is believed to have had connections with other prominent Maya sites, including the ancient city of Tikal in Guatemala. The temple at Altun Ha was built in three stages over the course of several centuries to honor Kinich Ahau and the Solar Cycle. The site is also believed to have been used for religious ceremonies and ritual sacrifices. Altun Ha continues to be a popular destination for tourists in Belize, with thousands of visitors each year. The site is now protected by the Belizean government, and in 2020, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its importance and significance for Belizean culture and heritage. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Altun Ha Sun God Temple is located in Belize and is part of the Mayan Ruins. It is also known as the "Rockstone Pond" and dates back to the ninth century. 2. The Altun Ha Sun God Temple is the largest pyramid structure in Belize and is believed to be the hub of political and religious power during the Pre-Classical period (600 BCE to 300CE). 3. It is believed the Pyramid was dedicated to the Sun god, ‘Kinich Ahau’, which means ‘Sun-Faced Lord’. 4. The temple has two levels of excavation with a ‘Temple of the Masonry Altars’ at the top and a ‘Temple of the Green Tomb’ at the bottom. 5. The most famous artifact from Altun Ha is the ‘Jade Head’ which is made from a single piece of jade. It measures 6 1/2 inches in height and is believed to represent Kinich Ahau or the Sun god. 6. In 1969, a large amount of precious artefacts and jade objects were found in the lower temple, including the 3-D Jade Head – which was better preserved that other Mayan sculptures from the period. 7. The site is a significant cultural treasure and has been declared a national monument in Belize. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.