Ras Standing Stones
Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE)·Late Bronze Age·🇬🇹 Petén, Guatemala
About
About Ras Standing Stones
Ras Standing Stones in Petén, Guatemala is a Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE) megalithic attributed to Late Bronze Age culture. Systematically investigated through ground-penetrating radar and coring, it presents a central mound with necropolis. Construction employs mudbrick on stone socle and demonstrates distinct phasing. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Late Bronze Age megalithic with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Ritual use and symbolic landscape
- 02Chronology and phasing of monuments
Theories
- 01Astronomical observatory and calendar
- 02Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
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. 1426 BCE
- Period
- Late Bronze Age (1550–1050 BCE)
- Culture
- Late Bronze Age
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and settlement
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 1426 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 1151 BCE
Architectural refurbishment
c. 341 CE
Reoccupation and adaptation
1950
Rediscovery and systematic excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
16.7033° N · 90.0588° W · 1892 m · 4 mapped features
Stela Alignment
courtyardPrimary megalithic at Ras Standing Stones — megalithic chamber
16.7060° N · 90.0598° WTemple Platform
ditchAncillary necropolis associated with main monument
16.7019° N · 90.0561° WOutlier Panel
structureAncillary settlement associated with main monument
16.7052° N · 90.0565° WGranary Cluster
galleryOutlier feature with geoglyph
16.7042° N · 90.0590° W