Xunantunich
The name, according to one
interpretation, means "Maiden of the Rock" in the Yucatec dialect. It
is pronounced "zshoo-NAN-too-NEECH." It was the first site in Belize
to be opened to the public, when the road and a ferry were built in 1954.
What you will see today is a
Classic period (300-900 AD) ceremonial center, with large plazas ringed with
pyramids. The tallest is the 130 foot "El Castillo," which is large
by Mayan standards and is only exceeded by the Caana pyramid at Caracol. The
site was occupied until around 900 A.D. and was likely abandoned after an
earthquake, the evidence of which was discovered by archaeologists in the
mid-1900's.
The recent history of Xunantunich
began in the late 1800's, when it was explored by a British medical officer
named Thomas Gann. The first known photograph of the site was taken in 1904 and
displayed in the Peabody Museum of Archaeology, in Cambridge, Massachusetts,
for many years. Nothing further was done until Gann returned in 1924, at which
time he reportedly unearthed many Maya treasures. The recorded history of these
items has been lost and, at present, no one knows of their whereabouts. It is
possible that many museums and private collectors of Maya artifacts are
displaying them, with no idea of their origin.
Over the last 70 years, many noted
archaeologists have undertaken various excavations at Xunantunich, seeking to
uncover her mysteries. Continuous excavation and restoration has been taking
place since 1990 by the University of California (UCLA) under the direction of
Dr. Richard Leventhal. Now, a wonderful new visitor's center has been built
which displays a model of the site, photos, maps and graphical explanations of
significant events in the development of the city.
We highly recommend that you make
the steep, but short, climb to the top of "El Castillo." This vantage
point provides a breathtaking, 360 degree, panoramic view over the jungle
canopy of the Macal, Mopan and Belize River valleys, as well as a vast area of
the Guatemalan Peten District, which is only a few miles away. You will also
get a close look at the restored portions of two unique stucco friezes, which
appear on the east and west sides of the upper portion of the pyramid.
Located in the Cayo District in
western Belize, Xunantunich is easily accessible. Most of the lodging facilities
in the area offer day trips to the site, which is very popular with all
tourists in the region.
Photos Courtesy: Adrianna Vasquez
Original Article: http://www.belizereport.com/sites/xunan.html
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