Altun Ha, Archaeological site in Rockstone Pond, Belize
The complex extends across 8 square kilometers and consists of two central plazas surrounded by thirteen structures. The Temple of Masonry Altars reaches 54 feet (16 meters) in height and dominates the northern plaza.
The settlement originated around 200 BC and reached its peak between 500 and 650 AD with about 10,000 residents. Inhabitants gradually abandoned the site after 900 AD during the collapse of Classic Maya civilization.
The Maya used this location as a trade hub for exchanging obsidian, jade and cacao with other Mesoamerican regions while developing complex religious ceremonies performed within the temples.
The location sits 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Belize City and operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours are available and paved pathways provide wheelchair access to most areas of the grounds.
Excavations by the Royal Ontario Museum starting in 1964 uncovered several tombs containing jade artifacts, including a carved jade head standing 6 inches (15 centimeters) tall and weighing 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) depicting a ruler.
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