Overview:

: Xunantunich Court of the Ball is an impressive Mesoamerican ballcourt built by the ancient Maya culture located in the municipality of San Jose Succotz, near the town of San Ignacio, in western Belize. This ancient ruin site was discovered in 1892 and excavated by the British Holm Expedition. The primary monument is El Castillo, a large pyramid that stands 30 metres (98ft) tall. The ballcourt has two parallel platforms, each measuring approximately 86 metres long and 9 metres wide, which are each lined with three carved stone rings. Two altars are found at the western end and the court feature a sloping embankment on either side. The central feature of the site is a stone court, or "ball game court" where the ancient Maya people engaged in ritual ballgames. Archaeological investigations suggest that the court dates back to the 9th century CE. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

The Xunantunich Court of the Ball is a unique attraction located in Belize. This court has the remains of an ancient Mayan palace complex. It is located in the Chiquibul jungle and consists of a number of stone structures set in an enclosed square. One of the most impressive features of the court is the Ball Court, which lies at the center of the ruins. This court is made up of two long parallel walls of carved limestone measuring around 5.5 meters high. On either side of the court, there are nine sets of stone-carved pillars that support a roofed platform. One of the most impressive structures of the Xunantunich ruins is the Stela, an upright stone slab, which is said to be related to accurate astronomical observations. The Stela is carved on both sides with intricate hieroglyphs depicting various scenes from Mayan culture. On the east side of the court is the mysterious Jaguar Altar, which has a carved image of a jaguar on its upper edge. The Xunantunich ruins are surrounded by lush tropical jungle and the court's location in the jungle adds to its mysterious charm. There is also a pyramid temple nearby where visitors can climb to get great views of the site. This court provides a unique and exciting experience for visitors to Belize, offering them a chance to explore the mysteries of an ancient Mayan civilization. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Xunantunich is a Maya archaeological site in western Belize, located in the Cayo District near the border with Guatemala. It was established as early as around 900 BC, and is believed to have been occupied by the Maya until about 1200 AD. The site is notable for its impressive ball court, one of the largest and most impressive of its kind in Belize. The exact origins of the ball court at Xunantunich are unknown, but it is believed that the majority of it was constructed sometime between the 8th and 10th centuries AD, according to radiocarbon studies. The site was later re-occupied by the Maya, and parts of the ball court were rebuilt during this time. Today, the ball court at Xunantunich is one of the most impressive and well-preserved examples of the classic Maya architectural style. It measures approximately 200 feet long and 50 feet wide, with stairs leading up either side of the court. The court is framed by two sets of stone walls, with a playing area in between. A marker in the center of the court marks the spot at which the players had to aim for during a game. Xunantunich Ball Court is one of the few examples of this type of Maya architecture still standing today, and it is likely to have been used in many ancient Maya games and activities. To this day, it is still unclear exactly what kind of sport was played in the court, though it is believed that it could have been a combination of both basketball and soccer. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan City built in the Late Classic Period (600-900 AD). 2. It was a major ceremonial center covering about 5 square kilometers. 3. Xunantunich remains one of Belize’s most popular attractions. 4. It is a step pyramid that stands over 40 meters (131 feet) high, one of the tallest in the Mayan world. 5. It is most famous for its reconstructed ballcourt, one of the largest in Central America. 6. Xunantunichs's ceremonial buildings include the Plaza of the Great Pyramid, temples, pyramids and plazas. 7. The elliptical ball court contained a stone ring which once held up a life-sized defensive player who was likely used as part of the game. 8. The ball court is believed to have been used in a ritual ball game played between two teams and frequently accompanied with human sacrifices. 9. Xunantunich is said to mean `stone woman` in the Mayan language and is a reference to the ghost of a woman dressed in white who is said to haunt the area. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.