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Altun Ha
17.7640° N, -88.3471° E
About
Altun Ha is the name given to the ruins of an ancient Maya city in Belize, located in the Belize District about 50 kilometres (31 mi) north of Belize City and about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) west of the shore of the Caribbean Sea. The site covers an area of about 8 square kilometres (3.1 sq mi). Stones from the ruins of the ancient structures were reused for residential construction of the agricultural village of Rockstone Pond in modern times, but the ancient site did not come to the attention of archeologists until 1963. The Old Northern Highway connects Altun Ha to Belize's Northern Highway, and the site is accessible for tourism. The largest of Altun Ha's temple-pyramids, the "Temple of the Masonry Altars", is 16 metres (52 ft) high. A drawing of this structure is the logo of Belize's leading brand of beer, "Belikin".
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Occupational span of Altun Ha
c. 900 BCE–AD 1000
Structure F8 construction
c. AD 200
Tomb F8/1 burial
c. AD 250
Central precinct offering with metal bead
c. AD 500
Sun God's Tomb (Tomb B-4/7)
c. AD 600–650
Earliest round platforms (Structures C13 and C17)
c. 900–800 BCE
Modern discovery and initial investigations
1963–1971
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Miscellaneous Features
Water Management Features
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
More Sites in Belize
Nohmul
Maya archaeological site and pyramid in northern Belize
Lamanai
Maya city and temple complex in northern Belize
Pook's Hill
Maya residential complex and bird sanctuary in Belize
San Estevan (Maya site)
Maya civic-ceremonial site on Belize's New River
Xnaheb
Pre-Columbian Maya center in southern Belize
La Milpa
Ancient Maya city and monumental plaza in Belize

