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BRIEF HISTORY OF TIKAL

Tikal was the largest of the Maya cities and one of the main commercial and cultural centers of the Maya civilization. During its zenith in the Classic Period (500-900 AD), at least 10,000 people lived within the mapped portion of the city (which encompasses six square miles), and more than 50,000 people in the surrounding areas.  Tikal was dominant economically, politically and militarily and was often at war with other major cities such as Calakmul and Caracol. Of Tikal's rulers, one of the most notable is Jasaw Chan K'awiil (or Ah Cacao), who lead Tikal to the defeat of Calakmul, and was entombed in Temple I.

For unknown reasons, Tikal began to decline in the years 700-800 AD. Cease of construction and a fall in commercial trade, among other things, brought abandonment of Tikal in 899 AD.

Although there were many stories of this great Maya city, Tikal was not well known worldwide until the ruins were discovered in 1848. Minor excavations began in 1877.  Restoration of the ruins began in the 1950s and to this day, extensive excavations are made to find new information. The park covers 25 square miles and over 10,000 estimated structures. Less than a dozen or so have been reconstructed or excavated to any marked degree, among them five large temples: Temple I or Temple of the Great Jaguar, standing at around 44 m (144 ft), Temple II or Temple of the Masks, 37 m (120 ft), Temple III or Temple of the Jaguar Priest, 60 m (180 ft), Temple IV or Temple of the Double Headed Serpent, the tallest structure at 70 m (230 ft), and Temple V at 59 m (190 ft).

Maps reveal over 3000 structures including temples, palaces, shrines, ceremonial platforms, residences, ball courts, terraces, causeways, and plazas, most interconnected with aqueducts and cisterns for holding water. In the main ceremonial precincts there are approx. 200 stone monuments, known as stelae. Stelae were elaborately carved with hieroglyphs that would tell stories about the rulers and events of that time.

Tikal ruins are probably the best restored examples of classic Maya style. The park is probably the most important on the Ruta Maya and clearly the most significant blend of architecture, jungle and wildlife. The grounds are lush with tropical  plants and wildlife. Trees include zapotes, from which chicle, a base for chewing gum is derived, Spanish cedar, ceiba, a tree sacred to the Maya, mahogany and over 25 other precious hard woods. There are many spider and howler monkeys, ocellated turkeys, coatimundis, over 285 species of birds, 209 of which are resident species: hawks, toucans, hummingbirds, parrots, oropendolas, owls, king vultures. Within the park but rarely seen are also jaguar, puma, ocelot, pecarry, small deer, and many other animals rare and endangered. See bird list

Currently, Guatemala has the largest Maya population of any country, and in terms of numbers, they are the dominant ethnic group. There are at least 15 distinct Maya groups in the country, mostly living in the highlands of southern Guatemala. After years of civil unrest and violence, in December of 1996 the leaders signed a pact with the Guatemalan government guaranteeing land and  political rights, and freedom to practice their traditional religion. The Maya people are now known for producing beautiful textiles, pottery and baskets.


Tikal facts:

-Tikal National Park is located within the 6,000 square mile Maya Biosphere in the northern part of Peten, Guatemala

-Park area: 576 sq. km. (222 sq. mi., 125,000 sq. acres)

-the ruins area encompasses about 24 sq. kms. About 80% are still unexcavated.

-Only 30% of the ruins area has been mapped (around 6 sq. mi.)

-Tikal was declared a National Park by the Guatemalan Government in May of 1955,
and a National Monument in 1970. It was the first National Park established in
Central America.

-The name "Tikal" means "Place of Voices" or "Place of Tongues" in Maya.

For tips on how to get the most out of your day in Tikal, see Tikal Travel Guide

Details about Tikal tours, click here

Tikalinformation.com

Temple II






Tours to Tikal