Tikal
Tikal National Park · Yax Mutal
Preclassic–Classic Maya·Maya (Mutal dynasty)·🇬🇹 Petén, Flores, Guatemala
About
About Tikal
Classic Maya superpower (600 BCE–900 CE) — UNESCO 1979 Mirador-Tikal jantung dengan Mundo Perdido 30-m E-Group observatory (600 BCE–), North Acropolis dynastic necropolis 1000 years, Great Plaza Temples I & II, twin-pyramid complexes and 16 km² urban core with causeways (Malinowski, Maudslay 1883). Georeference 17.222°N -89.623°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 mattersGreatest Classic Maya capital; Mundo Perdido 30-m E-Group and North Acropolis sequence frames Maya chronology.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Mundo Perdido E-Group vs Teotihuacan central Mexican talud-tablero at Tikal Early Classic contact
Theories
- 01Tikal Mundo Perdido as Teotihuacan-Maya hybrid solar observatory after Siyaj K'ak' 378 CE entrada
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 Maya
- Culture
- Maya (Mutal dynasty)
- Purpose
- Classic Maya superpower capital, Mundo Perdido observatory nucleus
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 20th c. survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
17.2220° N · 89.6230° W · 215 m · 2 mapped features
Tikal central pyramid/structure
moundMundo Perdido 30 m high 60 m base; Temple IV 65 m high primary mound/structure
17.2230° N · 89.6230° WTikal plaza/causeway component
earthworkAssociated plaza and causeway/road segment flanking main architecture
17.2210° N · 89.6220° W