Piedras Negras, translating to “black stones” from Spanish, stands as a testament to the ingenuity and might of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Situated on the north bank of the Usumacinta River in the Petén department of northwestern Guatemala, this ancient city is recognized for its significant role among the Maya urban centers along the Usumacinta River.
The Ancient Maya
Ancient Maya Historical Sites and Ruins
Maya Mythology
Gods and Goddesses
| Kukulkan |
| Chaac |
| Ix Chel |
| Ah Puch |
| Itzamna |
Ancient Maya Artifacts
| Chac Mool |
Chactún
In 2013, a significant archaeological discovery was made in the state of Campeche, Mexico, within the northern part of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve. A team of Mexican and international experts from the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU) and Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), led by archaeologist Ivan Sprajc, uncovered an ancient Maya city known as Chactún, which translates to “Red Stone”. This discovery was facilitated by aerial photographs, revealing a site that had remained hidden due to its inaccessible location and dense vegetation. The project, supported by the National Geographic Society among others, marked a significant advancement in the understanding of the Maya civilization in this region.
El Perú Maya Site (Waka)
El Perú, also known as Waka’, stands as a testament to the grandeur of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Occupied from roughly 500 BC to 800 AD, this archeological site was the capital of a Maya city-state, strategically located near the banks of the San Pedro River in the Department of Petén, northern Guatemala. Approximately 60 km west of the renowned Tikal, El Perú’s significance in Maya history is undeniable.
Aguada Fénix
In June 2020, the archaeological world was captivated by the announcement of a groundbreaking discovery in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, near the border with Guatemala. The site, known as Aguada Fénix, was identified through an innovative aerial survey utilizing laser mapping technology. This monumental structure, a vast flattened mound nearly a mile in length and rising between 33 and 50 feet in height, has been recognized as the oldest and largest Mayan ceremonial site discovered to date.
Pomona
Pomona stands as a significant Maya archaeological site located in the Mexican state of Tabasco, within the municipality of Tenosique. Approximately 30 miles east of the renowned site of Palenque, Pomona’s historical significance is rooted in its flourishing during the Late Classic period of Maya civilization. This blog post aims to delve into the site’s geographical setting, its discovery and exploration, historical events associated with Pomona, and its artistic contributions to the Maya culture.
Kohunlich
Kohunlich, known in Modern Mayan as X-làabch’e’en, stands as a significant archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Situated on the Yucatán Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo, this site is approximately 25 km east of the Rio Bec region and about 65 km west of Chetumal on Highway 186, with a short 9 km journey south from the road to reach its entrance. Despite its rich history and significance, the original name of Kohunlich remains a mystery, and its current name is derived not from Mayan but from an English term, Cohune Ridge, highlighting the area’s dense cohune palm growth.