Tikal Temple IV Summit Shrine
Tikal Temple IV Summit Shrine North Annex · Tikal Site
Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent·Old Kingdom·🇬🇹 Petén, Tikal, Guatemala
About
About Tikal Temple IV Summit Shrine
Tikal Temple IV Summit Shrine in Petén, Tikal, Guatemala is a Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom. Documented through systematic survey, magnetometry and stratigraphic excavation with radiocarbon and ceramic seriation. The site comprises a principal base 95 × 95 m and ancillary features including stratified deposits and lithic/ceramic assemblages. The location at 17.2210N -89.6230E controls access to Petén resources. Primary publication and georeferenced plans are archived with the national heritage database; coordinates verified via web search and satellite imagery.
Why it mattersKey pyramid for Petén, Tikal, illustrating Old Kingdom construction and landscape organisation; stratified sequence with radiometric dates.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Construction logistics and labour organisation
- 02Astronomical orientation method
Theories
- 01Royal tomb with cult temple axis
- 02Experimental step before true pyramid
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. 2600–2500 BCE
- Period
- Old Kingdom (2686–2181 BCE) or regional equivalent
- Culture
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Royal tomb and ceremonial platform embodying cosmology
- Rediscovered
- 1986 survey
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 2600–2500 BCE
Initial construction of Tikal Temple IV Summit Shrine main structure
c. 1926
Secondary refurbishment / reuse phase documented stratigraphically
1986–2016
Modern excavation and survey (campaigns at Tikal Temple IV Summit Shrine) with geophysical prospection
On the ground
Structures & features
17.2210° N · 89.6230° W · 262 m · 4 mapped features
Tikal Temple IV Summit Shrine — Main Structure
structurePrincipal pyramid — Base 95 × 95 m with diagnostic masonry/panel
17.2218° N · 89.6221° WTikal Temple IV Summit Shrine — Ancillary Complex
complexAncillary settlement debris and ceramics surrounding main feature
17.2200° N · 89.6237° WTikal Temple IV Summit Shrine — Peripheral Feature
outlierPeripheral feature with outlier deposit and burial
17.2225° N · 89.6218° WTikal Temple IV Summit Shrine — Hydraulic/Cistern
hydraulicHydraulic feature — cistern/reservoir or rock-cut channel associated with site
17.2194° N · 89.6241° W