Ages ago, Belize was considered to be a vital part of the Mayan empire. The land was rich and excellent for cultivating crops to feed their huge numbers, plus the sea offered trade not just to some other Mayan cities, but to various other countries all along the Eastern part of South America too.
To this day, the remains of their cities can still be seen, several of which are opened to the public and each year new ones are being discovered. Walking among these jungle-covered ruins can spark a sense of adventure as well as mystery.
Artifacts of The Mayans
The largest jade artifact crafted by the Mayan was discovered in one of these ancient cities, a jade head of the Mayan sun god. It was discovered on the right wrist of a body buried inside The Temple of the Masonry Alters, in the ancient city of Altun Ha, or "Water on the Rock", as well as a replica can be seen at the Museum of Belize in Belize City.
Smaller Sized Mayan Complexes in Belize
In addition there are many more compact complexes, including Cahal Pech, "Place of Ticks", which was at that time the home of a royal Mayan family between 1000 BC and 800 AD. The site is only 2 acres in dimensions, approximately 30 architectural structures, but a lot of artifacts, among them a jade/shell mosaic mask was found inside of its walls. In the visitor center and museum, the paintings of the city during its interpretative film provide one a much better view of this small and mysterious palace; anyone interested in this site is encouraged to visit this place.
Belize does not only possess magnificent temples and pyramid-shaped buildings which people first thing of when talking about the Mayans, it is a place where you can find a great number of ceremonial caverns. These caves, that have been recognized by the Mayan, incorporate countless treasures, including skeletons of sacrificial victims, ceremonial objects, as well as ceramic jars. Among the most well known caves, the Actun Tunichil Muknal which is popularly called ATM retains the skeletal remains of a young woman, totally coated in calcite crystals and recognized, somewhat properly, as being the Crystal Maiden. Some other caverns consist of what is referred to as the Footprint Cave and also the Che Chem Ha.
One other spectacular place to head to is the swim-in cavern called the Footprint Cave; this cave contains the usual ceremonial chambers and artifacts and also includes amazing dripstone formations. In this cave, you can see rare find - a bench with the head of a monkey sculpted on its face; which is definitely a must-see for tourists. The footprints which gave the cave its name are believed to have been left by religious leaders or shaman of the Mayan. These, even so, aren't open to visitors.
Regardless whether you are interested in stone buildings or impressive, you are sure to leave this place satisfied and impressed. The mystic and wonder of the world of the Mayan people attract lots of visitors each and every year, from research workers to families, and share not simply a historical perspective, but a virtually heavenly sense whenever you walk the streets that were formerly traversed by these great people some time ago.
To this day, the remains of their cities can still be seen, several of which are opened to the public and each year new ones are being discovered. Walking among these jungle-covered ruins can spark a sense of adventure as well as mystery.
Artifacts of The Mayans
The largest jade artifact crafted by the Mayan was discovered in one of these ancient cities, a jade head of the Mayan sun god. It was discovered on the right wrist of a body buried inside The Temple of the Masonry Alters, in the ancient city of Altun Ha, or "Water on the Rock", as well as a replica can be seen at the Museum of Belize in Belize City.
Smaller Sized Mayan Complexes in Belize
In addition there are many more compact complexes, including Cahal Pech, "Place of Ticks", which was at that time the home of a royal Mayan family between 1000 BC and 800 AD. The site is only 2 acres in dimensions, approximately 30 architectural structures, but a lot of artifacts, among them a jade/shell mosaic mask was found inside of its walls. In the visitor center and museum, the paintings of the city during its interpretative film provide one a much better view of this small and mysterious palace; anyone interested in this site is encouraged to visit this place.
Belize does not only possess magnificent temples and pyramid-shaped buildings which people first thing of when talking about the Mayans, it is a place where you can find a great number of ceremonial caverns. These caves, that have been recognized by the Mayan, incorporate countless treasures, including skeletons of sacrificial victims, ceremonial objects, as well as ceramic jars. Among the most well known caves, the Actun Tunichil Muknal which is popularly called ATM retains the skeletal remains of a young woman, totally coated in calcite crystals and recognized, somewhat properly, as being the Crystal Maiden. Some other caverns consist of what is referred to as the Footprint Cave and also the Che Chem Ha.
One other spectacular place to head to is the swim-in cavern called the Footprint Cave; this cave contains the usual ceremonial chambers and artifacts and also includes amazing dripstone formations. In this cave, you can see rare find - a bench with the head of a monkey sculpted on its face; which is definitely a must-see for tourists. The footprints which gave the cave its name are believed to have been left by religious leaders or shaman of the Mayan. These, even so, aren't open to visitors.
Regardless whether you are interested in stone buildings or impressive, you are sure to leave this place satisfied and impressed. The mystic and wonder of the world of the Mayan people attract lots of visitors each and every year, from research workers to families, and share not simply a historical perspective, but a virtually heavenly sense whenever you walk the streets that were formerly traversed by these great people some time ago.
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