Tikal
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Tikal is one of
the largest archaeological sites and urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya
civilization.
Tikal was the
capital of a state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of
the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as
far as the 4th century BC, Tikal
reached its apogee during the Classic Period, ca. 200 to 900 AD.
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| The residential area of Tikal covers an estimated 60 square kilometres , much of which has not yet been cleared, mapped, or excavated. The 16 square kilometres (6.2 sq mi) area around the site core has been intensively mapped. (Population estimates place the demographic size of the site between 10,000 and 90,000, and possibly 425,000 in the surrounding area.) |
We have not been to
Tikal and with the 13 Baktun festivals organised for the night of 20-21 December we knew this a great opportunity. (A baktun is 20 katun cycles of the ancient Maya Long Count Calendar. It contains 144,000 days, equal to 394.26 tropical years.)
Together with SA sailors we took a minibus and
stayed overnight between the ruins.
We watched an impressive but slightly amateurish show with
interesting costumes.
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| After the "show" the Mayans priest was doimg offerings at the sacred fire. |
It was a once in a lifetime experience to stay overnight between the ruins and walk the site the next morning.
We watched an impressive but slightly amateurish show with
interesting costumes.
