📷 Mikhail Nilov · Pexels

Where in the world

Mexico

Calakmul

Maya · Mexico

Field notes

civilizations: Maya
types: City · Ceremonial pyramid · Temple · Palace
built: 400 BCE — 750 CE
occupied: 550 BCE — 950 CE
country: Mexico

The site

Calakmul lies deep in the jungles of the Petén Basin in Mexico's Campeche state, one of the largest and most powerful Maya cities. It was the seat of the Snake Kingdom, or Kaan, which reigned over much of the Classic period and held sway over places as far as 150 kilometres away. Among its roughly 6,750 identified structures towers Structure 2, over 45 metres high and among the tallest Mesoamerican pyramids, with four tombs found within. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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