Overview:

Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Guatemala, but close to the Belizean border. It is one of the largest, most studied, and most spectacular of the ancient cities of the Pre-Columbian Maya Civilization. The archaeological site consists of more than 3,000 structures, including temples, palaces, plazas, tombs, and reservoirs. The city was once the ceremonial and political center of the Maya people and is steeped in centuries of culture and history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

Tikal is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites of the Maya civilization, located in the jungles of Guatemala near the Belizean border. It is home to more than 3,000 structures, including temples, residential structures, palaces, and plazas. Tikal is known as a "sacred center," as many of the Maya rituals and ceremonies that were held here were rooted in celestial events. Tikal was home to many highly skilled artisans and was a large producer of jade artifacts. In addition, Tikal was an important trading center with access to resources from the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and attracts tourists from all over the world. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Tikal is an ancient Mayan city located in the modern-day nation of Guatemala, just a few miles from the Belizean border. The city is known as one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the Mayan world, and is considered to be a “lost city,” as it was not rediscovered by modern-day people until the mid-1800s. The city of Tikal was first inhabited by the Mayans around 400 BC, and rose to its peak around 300 AD. During this time it was home to over 100,000 people, turning it into a major settlement in the region. Its religious, political and economic power was widely recognized, and its civilization reached a high level of sophistication. Throughout its history, Tikal was dominated by different Mayan rulers, most of whom had a strong connection to the area. They were responsible for creating massive monuments, temples, and other structures in the surrounding areas. In the years prior to the Spanish Conquest, the city was abandoned due to political and economic decline. There are some theories that the city was sacked by a rival Mayan group sometime between 830 and 880AD, but this is a matter of controversy. However, the city had become largely depopulated prior to the arrival of the Spanish. Although the city was abandoned, it continued to be of interest to those in Belize and Guatemala. In the 1800s, British colonialists began visiting the site and taking records of the remaining structures, monuments, and art. The ruins of Tikal were also visited by the Spanish, who explored some of the structures and documented their findings. Today, Tikal is a tourist hotspot in Guatemala, with visitors coming from all over the world to explore the ancient city and see the artifacts it holds. It remains an important national site in Guatemala and Belize, and is a reminder of the powerful culture of the Mayan people. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Tikal is the largest and most well-preserved of the ancient Mayan cities. 2. It is located in the Peten rainforest, and is home to dozens of structures built between 200 and 900 A.D. 3. Tikal was once a thriving city and a major hub for trade and commerce, with a population estimated at up to 100,000 people at its peak. 4. In the Mayan language, Tikal means “place of voices” 5. Tikal was the cultural and political center of the Tikal Kingdom, which at its height expanded beyond the borders of what is now Guatemala and into parts of Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras. 6. In 1979, the ruins of the city were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 7. It is believed that the site was used for religious ceremonies and rituals, and the temple complex contains evidence of human sacrifice. 8. Over 60% of the city's buildings still stand, including five massive pyramids and dozens of other smaller structures. 9. Archaeologists have discovered over 33,400 artifacts of pottery, tools, and jade carvings at the site. 10. There are numerous wild animals within the ruins, including the endangered jaguar, puma, and howler monkey, making the site a popular tourist spot for wildlife viewing. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.