Overview:

: The Xunantunich Royal Tomb in Belize is an ancient Maya site located in modern-day Belize near the western border with Guatemala. It is located on a limestone ridge above the Mopan River and was once inhabited by the Maya people around 800 A.D. The site is often referred to by its Maya name Xunantunich, which translates to "Stone Lady." The site contains multiple plazas with a variety of platforms and structures, as well as several imposing stelae, or carved stones. Archaeologists believe that the complex was the center of a formidable political power during the Late Classic period of the Maya civilization. Several impressive tombs have been discovered at the site, indicating a royal family had once called it home. The Xunantunich Royal Tomb is a popular tourist destination today, and visitors can learn more about its history and cultural importance at the on-site museum. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belize
Prominent Features:

1. Large stucco frieze depicting two warriors in battle. 2. A two-chambered chamber with external access before a descending stairwell. 3. A conical roof, likely of wooden construction that was destroyed in a fire, that is now open to the sky. 4. An ornately decorated sarcophagus with a curved lid carved in a subtle “U” shaped form. 5. Fragmentary remains of monumental plaster flesh reliefs decorating many walls. 6. Numerous alcoves with evidence of ritual offerings such as skeletal remains, pottery vessels and other offerings. 7. A large central chamber with a long, narrow entrance corridor. 8. Unique and colorful hieroglyphic inscriptions throughout the pyramid, carved into the stones and painted on the plaster. 9. Royal graves contained in multiple, side-by-side, underground chambers. 10. A mural depicting a reclining figure in regal costume painted on a wall in the second chamber. This national monument of Belize portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Xunantunich is an ancient Maya archaeological site located in present-day Belize. It is a centre of ancient Maya civilization in the region, spanning the Late and Terminal Classic periods of Maya history (600–850 AD). The centre of the site was occupied by a large acropolis, which had many stone buildings. The most famous of these is the Royal Tomb. The history of the Royal Tomb of Xunantunich begins in late 700 AD when the Ch’ol Maya likely constructed the acropolis. This event likely coincided with the shift from the Late to Terminal Classic period of Maya history, when the city saw population growth and increased size and complexity. The tomb was discovered in 1927 and is believed to have been a burial place for the ruling hierarchy of the city. It consists of a single chamber that likely housed multiple burials, some of which have yet to be excavated. The chamber contains carved stelae and hieroglyphs, which describe the events and rulers of the Maya city. It may also contain the remains of one of the most important rulers of the city, remembered today as Lady of Xunantunich. The Royal Tomb of Xunantunich is an important example of Maya royal architecture, and provides a unique insight into the richness of Maya history and culture. You must visit one of these historical places in Belize on your Belize tour

Interesting facts:

1. Xunantunich Royal Tomb is located near the village of San Jose Succotz, Belize. 2. Xunantunich is one of many ancient Maya ruins located in Belize. 3. It is a range of small structures and and one monument called "El Castillo" which stands overlooking the river Mopan and the village. 4. El Castillo is a pyramid temple with a temple on top and a stuccoed facade. 5. At the center of the temple there is a burial chamber complete with skeletal remains of a royal family member. 6. There are many intricate stucco masks located around the El Castillo. 7. There are also many interesting carvings that show rank and social statues. 8. The mountain ruins of Xunantunich offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape of Belize. 9. Xunantunich is thought to have been an important administrative center for the Mayan Civilization. 10. The archaeological site of Xunantunich is believed to have been in use from about 800AD to 1000AD. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belize with your friends and family.