Overview:

: Altun Ha is an ancient Mayan ruin located in the Belize District of Belize, Central America. Meaning 'Rockstone Pond' in the Maya language, the site is an extensively excavated complex that was the most important political and economic center in central Belize between 500-1000 A.D. Altun Ha consists of two main plazas that contain several temple pyramids, residential structures, an elite residential compound and other buildings, all connected by multiple raised causeways and accessible to the public through the main central plaza. The main pyramid, known as the Temple of the Masonry Altars, stands 54 feet tall and was once the center of political and religious life at the site. Excavations have revealed a wealth of artifacts and carvings, including pieces of jade that suggest Altun Ha had contact with other major centers in the Maya world. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

1. A rich historical significance as a sacred Mayan site used for rituals and ceremonies. 2. Numerous structures overlooking the main plaza featuring intricate stucco designs. 3. A step pyramid known as "The Temple of the Green Tomb”, with its roofcomb reaching up to 30 meters. 4. Two Carved Sepulchers where the remains of high-ranking ancient Mayan figures were found 5. Ancient Mayan artifacts and artifacts from earlier times, including pottery and jade sculptures. 6. Beautiful limestone plazas and terraces featuring beautifully carved stucco masks, figures, and glyphs from ancient times. 7. The Temple of the Sun and the Moon, and other trails pointing to the sun and moon rising/setting points. 8. The Great Plaza, an expansive area where many important ceremonies were held. 9. The Grand Plaza complex featuring a large circular ball court used for ballgames. 10. A prominent altun (priest mound) in the middle of the plaza, the most important of the Mayan Ruins structures. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Altun Ha is an ancient ruins and archaeological site in northern Belize, located off of the mainland along the Caribbean Sea. It is the largest archaeological site in Belize and was occupied during the Maya civilization as early as 300 BC to 200 AD, rising and falling with the population until 900 AD when it was abandoned. It consists of two major structures, the main temple known as the Temple of Masonry Altars and the smaller Temple of the Stucco Facades. The Temple of the Stucco Facades is the smaller of the two structures at Altun Ha. This temple dates back to 100 to 200 AD, when the people of Altun Ha began carving stucco figures onto the limestone walls of the temple. These figures, known as the "gods of Altun Ha", depict deities, including the sun god Kinich Ahau, as well as ancestral figures. The gods of Altun Ha are one of the main attractions of the site; their faces have become iconic symbols of Belize. Almost all of the stucco figures have survived the centuries, though some have been draped in wire mesh to protect them from the elements. The Temple of the Stucco Facades is also home to one of the most important artifacts at Altun Ha - the sun god mask. This exquisite jade mask, found in the elite tomb in front of the temple, is made of two jadeite pieces that have been delicately carved and polished. The mask is believed to be a representation of the sun god Kinich Ahau, and is now housed at the Belize National Museum in Belize City. Today, the Temple of the Stucco Facades is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The ruins have also been featured in numerous movies and tv shows, including an Indiana Jones movie and episodes of the BBC series Walking With Beasts. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Altun Ha is an ancient Maya archaeological site in Belize that dates back to 250 B.C. 2. The temple is located near the shore of the Caribbean Sea about 40 miles east of modern day Belize City. 3. The main temple at the site is called the Temple of the Masonry Altars (also known as the Sun God Temple), which was built around 900 A.D. 4. In 1969, an excavation at Altun Ha revealed the remains of an ancient man wearing the famous jade mosaic head mask, now known as the "Sun God". 5. The temple is also famous for its elaborate stuccos, a type of plasterwork which includes intricate scenes of gods and other Maya religious figures. 6. In addition to the stucco decorations, the temple also contains many polychromatic paintings. 7. The temple at Altun Ha was believed to have been built as a royal mortuary temple, where the remains of spiritual leaders were interred. 8. Altun Ha was probably one of the most important centers of trade in the Maya world and evidence suggests ties to both the Preclassic (2000 B.C.A.D. 250) and the Postclassic (900–1524) Maya. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.