Naachtun, Maya archaeological site in Petén Department, Guatemala
Naachtún is an archaeological site with pyramid temples and an acropolis complex in Petén. The ruins spread across three main groups and are connected by white stone roads, with two ballcourts and numerous residential buildings in between.
The site was first documented in 1922 by Sylvanus Morley and was an important link between the powerful Maya cities of Tikal and Calakmul during the Classic period. It remained significant from the Late Formative through the Classic period, unlike many other centers in the Mirador Basin.
The carved stones tell stories about the people who lived here and show connections between different Maya cities. You can see through the stonework how important ceremonies and power structures were to this society.
The site sits deep in the jungle and requires good planning and specialized transportation to reach. It is wise to go with experienced guides and bring sturdy gear for the jungle conditions.
Around 45 inscribed stone slabs were found at this location, an unusually high number for a center of this size. This abundance of carved stones makes it a key source for understanding the political networks of the ancient Maya.
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