Altun Ha
Archeologists believe Rockstone Pond, the literal
translation for Altun Ha, was first settled somewhere around 250 BC, with
construction of the buildings beginning in 100 AD and continuing throughout the
Classic period that ended in the 10th century. Some 10,000 Maya lived in and
around Altun Ha, which was a significant trading center as evidenced by the
large amounts of jade and obsidian excavated here in the early sixties and
seventies.
When first arriving here, you will be greeted by vendors providing some tasty Belizean treats such as Watermelons, Papaya, Craboo and Coconuts. There are also a few gift shops sections offering carvings, flags, local pepper sauces, and much more. Spanning a 25 square mile area roughly an hour from Belize City, Altun Ha is made up of two central plazas surrounded by towering temples
that enclose the palm strewn land). The larger of the two plazas, Plaza A, is
the site of a mysterious tomb discovered beneath one of the temples called
Temple of the Green Tomb. Jade, jewelry, flints and skins are among the three
hundred remnants that were unearthed here.
The Temple of the Masonry Altars is Altun Ha's largest
temple and is thought to have been the focal point of the community's religious
activities. A single stairway climbs the temple to an altar perched at the
peak. Inside, several tombs were discovered that are believed to have kept the
bodies of Altun Ha's high priests. One of these digs yielded a priceless piece
of history in the form of a 15-centimeter high, jade head of the Maya Sun God,
Kinich Ahau.
Though not much else has been excavated, there are also
several other areas of interest at the site, notably another temple at the eastern
edge that was found to contain artifacts from the great city of Teotihuacan in
the Valley of Mexico.
Altun Ha is not the easiest place to reach if you're
traveling without a guide. A daily bus from Cinderella Plaza in Belize City
passes the village of Lucky Strike, a two-mile walk to Altun Ha, on the way to
Maskall. There is a cut-off on the Northern highway which will lead you to an old highway. There is a sign on the northern highway to show you when to take the right turn and how far Altun Ha is. Any car can make it all the way there. I recently made a trip up there. You will definitely enjoy it.
Photos by: Nicholas Gomez
Article Via http://www.belizedistrict.com/tosee_ah.html
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