Kaminaljuyu, Mayan archaeological site in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Kaminaljuyu is an archaeological site in Guatemala City with more than 200 mound structures spread across five kilometers. The pyramids and platforms lie in the center of the modern city, surrounded by residential neighborhoods, with some mounds still rising above the urban landscape.
Settlement began around 1200 BCE and grew into a major trade center in the central highlands. The city reached its peak during the late preclassic period and was gradually abandoned around 900 CE.
The name means Hill of the Dead in the K'iche' language, reflecting its role as a ceremonial burial ground for regional elites. Builders worked with local clay and pumice instead of the typical limestone, giving the structures a distinctive appearance that shows how artisans adapted to available materials.
The site sits within residential neighborhoods, so visitors walk through ordinary city streets to reach different areas. The paths are mostly level but can become slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
A system of irrigation channels connected fields to the former Lake Miraflores, allowing intensive farming around the city. This technique helped residents grow large amounts of maize and other crops, supporting the settlement's prosperity.
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