Kaminaljuyu

Kaminaljuyu (pronounced ; from Quiché, "The Hill of the Dead") is a Pre-Columbian site of the Maya civilization located in Guatemala City. Primarily occupied from 1500 BC to 1200 AD, it has been described as one of the greatest archaeological sites in the New Worldalthough the extant remains are distinctly unimpressive. Debate continues about its size, integration, and role in the surrounding Valley of Guatemala and the Southern Maya area.

Key facts

Archaeological culture.name: Kaminaljuyu
Archaeological culture.map: Formative Period southern Mesoamerica 2.svg
Archaeological culture.mapcaption: Kaminaljuyu and other Preclassic sites
Archaeological culture.race: Maya
Archaeological culture.religion: Maya
Archaeological culture.region: Southern Maya area
Archaeological culture.period: Preclassic and Classic
Archaeological culture.dates: 1500 BC to 1200 CE
Archaeological culture.extra: Use of hardened adobe to build instead of limestone
Pre Columbian site.name: Kaminaljuyu
Pre Columbian site.image: Kaminaljuyu 2.jpg
Pre Columbian site.image size

Article

12 sections

Contents

Archaeological excavations
Occupation history
Arévalo and Las Charcas cultures
The "Miraflores"
Sacred Kingship
Hydraulics
Esperanza cultures and a Teotihuacán Intrusion?
Economics
See also
Notes
References
External links

Kaminaljuyu, when first mapped scientifically, comprised some 200 platforms and pyramidal mounds. The site was largely swallowed up by real estate developments. A portion of the Classic Period center is preserved as a 0.5 square km parka fraction of the original ruins field size of around 5 square km.