Ixcun
Ixcún Archaeological Site · Ixcún Stela 1 City
Preclassic–Classic·Maya (Ixcun stela cult)·🇬🇹 Petén, Dolores, Guatemala
About
About Ixcun
Dolores valley stela city (600 BCE–900 CE) near Guatemalan-Belize border with 8 photogenic carved stela altars including Stela 1 3.2 m tall — tallest Petén north stela with 9.16.0.0.0 long count, Stela 2 priest procession, and 6-m Modest Acropolis pyramid. Excavated Atlas Arqueológico; Hieroglyphic stairway links Ixcún to Sacul. Georeference 16.57°N -89.41°W. Investigation chronology and architecture as per Peru–Mexico survey consensus; extended description synthesizes excavation report dimensions and cultural phase via regional Atlas.
Why it mattersHighest stela-altar concentration in Petén Dolores; preserves long-count counts for Classic Maya warfare epigraphy.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Stela 1 761 CE Long Count 9.16.0.0.0 political commission under Tikal sway
Theories
- 01Ixcun as Dolores sacral stela buffer between Naranjo and Petexbatun polities
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.600 BCE–900 CE
- Period
- Preclassic–Classic
- Culture
- Maya (Ixcun stela cult)
- Purpose
- Dolores valley stela cult city with tallest Petén stelae
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 20th c. survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
16.5700° N · 89.4100° W · 380 m · 2 mapped features
Ixcun central pyramid/structure
moundStela 1 3.2 m high 0.6 m thick (tallest Petén north); pyramid 6 m high primary mound/structure
16.5710° N · 89.4100° WIxcun plaza/causeway component
earthworkAssociated plaza and causeway/road segment flanking main architecture
16.5690° N · 89.4090° W
Gallery