Located 70 miles west of Belize City, atop Mopan River ridge. Served as Maya civic ceremonial center from 700-900AD. Name means "Maiden of the Rock" in Mopan and Yucatec languages. First modern explorations by Thomas Gann in mid-1890s
Chichen Itza was a major Maya city located in northern Yucatán, Mexico. The city was built between 600-1200 AD and became a regional capital. The name means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza". The Spanish conquered Chichen Itza in 1534, but it was later abandoned
El Castillo was built by Toltec-Maya between 1050-1300 CE. Pyramid's four sides have 91 steps each, totaling 365 steps. Temple at top was used exclusively by priests for sacred rituals
Palenque was a Maya city located in Chiapas altiplano, flourishing 600-750 CE. City controlled large territory and formed alliances with powerful cities. UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 1,000 structures
Settlement established near cenotes around 415-455 AD. Toltec warriors conquered city between 967-987 AD. City declined after 1440 AD, excavations began in 1841
Chichen Itza was a major Mayan city during Late Classic (600-900) and Postclassic (900-1200) periods. The city reached 50,000 inhabitants and gained power over Yucatan Peninsula. Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1534, but locals resisted and defeated them