Sacul, Maya archaeological site in Petén Department, Guatemala

Sacul is a Maya archaeological site with multiple plazas, pyramids, a ballcourt, and two astronomical complexes arranged around a central monumental acropolis at 450 meters elevation. The complex spans five distinct areas, with Sacul 1 representing the main site core containing the principal structures.

Sacul was originally called Juluup, a dynasty probably founded around AD 700; the earliest secure date for one of its rulers is 23 August 731, when a painted bowl from Naranjo records a b'aah Juluup ajaw. King Ch'iyel Janab', fourth in the lordship and ruler around 760-790, received a mannequin sceptre from Shield Jaguar II of Ucanal on 12 February 760. Sacul lost a battle to Ixkun on 21 December 779, yet Ch'iyel visited Ixkun on 11 October 790 and the two formed a military alliance. The last stela at Sacul dates to AD 800.

The site shows through pottery finds that residents exchanged goods with distant areas like the Belize Valley and southern Maya Mountains. These objects reveal how people maintained trade connections across the region.

The best time to visit is during the drier season when pathways are easier to navigate and vegetation is less overgrown. The site lies in a remote location, so having a local guide or doing research beforehand helps with orientation.

Sacul was originally called Juluup, from jul, "to perforate". The earliest secure date tied to a Juluup ruler is 23 August 731, when a painted bowl probably made at Naranjo records the king of Naranjo-Sa'al handing it to a lord of Sacul, suggesting early subordination to that court.