Iximche Alt
Late Postclassic (1470 – 1524 CE)·Kaqchikel Maya·🇬🇹 Chimaltenango, Guatemala
About
About Iximche Alt
Iximche Alt in Chimaltenango, Guatemala is a Late Postclassic (1470 – 1524 CE) ancient city attributed to Kaqchikel Maya culture. Cakchiquel capital: 4 wards, Temple of Human Sacrifice, 1524 alliance then war with Alvarado; first Guatemalan Spanish capital. Systematic excavation and published survey document stratified deposits, architectural phasing and georeferenced plans. Built c.1470 CE by Wuqu-Batz'; purpose: Kaqchikel capital on ridge with 6 plazas and first Spanish capital 1524. Significance includes multi-phase occupation and landscape setting at 2280 m elevation.
Why it mattersCakchiquel capital: 4 wards, Temple of Human Sacrifice, 1524 alliance then war with Alvarado; first Guatemalan Spanish capital.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing at Iximche Alt
- 02Function and labor organization for ancient-city – ritual vs residential debate
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model for Kaqchikel Maya
- 02Territorial marker / elite residence hypothesis
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.1470 CE by Wuqu-Batz'
- Period
- Late Postclassic (1470 – 1524 CE)
- Culture
- Kaqchikel Maya
- Builders
- Kaqchikel
- Purpose
- Kaqchikel capital on ridge with 6 plazas and first Spanish capital 1524
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.1470 CE by Wuqu-Batz'
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1500–1800 CE
Major refurbishment / second occupation phase
On the ground
Structures & features
14.7360° N · 90.9960° W · 2280 m · 3 mapped features
Iximche Alt — Principal Monument
pyramidPrincipal Monument at Iximche Alt – pyramid (Late Postclassic (1470 – 1524 CE)) – Cakchiquel capital: 4 wards, Temple of Human Sacrifice, 1524
14.7370° N · 90.9950° WIximche Alt — Ancillary Complex
palaceAncillary Complex at Iximche Alt – palace (Late Postclassic (1470 – 1524 CE)) – Cakchiquel capital: 4 wards, Temple of Human Sacrifice, 1524
14.7348° N · 90.9968° WIximche Alt — Outlier Feature
causewayOutlier Feature at Iximche Alt – causeway (Late Postclassic (1470 – 1524 CE)) – Cakchiquel capital: 4 wards, Temple of Human Sacrifice, 1524
14.7380° N · 90.9945° W