La Corona (Sak Nikte') Pyramids
La Corona · Sak Nikte' · Site Q
Maya Late Classic·Maya Sak Nikte' under Calakmul Kanul·🇬🇹 Petén, La Corona (Sak Nikte'), Laguna del Tigre, Guatemala
About
About La Corona (Sak Nikte') Pyramids
Rediscovered Late Classic Maya city Sak Nikte' — looters' Site Q — identified as La Corona 30 km west of El Perú-Waka', caput of Sak Nikte' kingdom under Calakmul hegemony (658–835 CE). Main Plaza with 14 m Structure 13Q-4 pyramid, palace blocks and ballcourt, famous Hieroglyphic Stairway (Block 4) panels now returned from illicit collections documenting Calakmul–Tikal wars and princess Yuknoom Ti' Chan's marriage. Excavated by Tulane/Guatemala project (Freidel, Stuart, Barrientos) 2008–.
Why it mattersResolution of Site Q mystery — 40 looted panels reunited via epigraphy showing Calakmul imperial court; elite marriage politics visible.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Number of panels still in private hands
- 02Tomb of founder Chak Ak'aach Yuk
Theories
- 01Calakmul indirect rule via Sak Nikte' governor
- 02Marriage alliance network Maintaining Snake Kingdom
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. 658–835 CE (Late Classic, Calakmul viceroyalty)
- Period
- Maya Late Classic
- Culture
- Maya Sak Nikte' under Calakmul Kanul
- Builders
- Maya Chak Ak'aach Yuk and successors
- Purpose
- Pyramid-palace court under Calakmul
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 658–835 CE (Late Classic, Calakmul viceroyalty)
Initial construction
c. 1699 CE
Rediscovery
On the ground
Structures & features
17.5197° N · 90.3722° W · 250 m · 3 mapped features
Structure 13Q-4 Pyramid
pyramid14 m Main Plaza east pyramid
17.5199° N · 90.3723° WHieroglyphic Stairway panels
stairwayReturned Block 4 panels on stair
17.5197° N · 90.3721° WPalace 13Q-5
palaceVaulted palace west of plaza
17.5196° N · 90.3724° W
Gallery