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Caracol
16.7639° N, -89.1175° E
About
Caracol is a large ancient Maya archaeological site, located in what is now the Cayo District of Belize. It is situated approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) south of Xunantunich, and the town of San Ignacio, and 15 km (9.3 mi) from the Macal River. It rests on the Vaca Plateau, at an elevation of 500 m (1,600 ft) above sea-level, in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Long thought to be a tertiary center, it is now known that the site was one of the most important regional political centers of the Maya Lowlands during the Classic Period. Caracol covered approximately 200 square kilometres (77 sq mi), covering an area much larger than present-day Belize City, the largest metropolitan area in the country, and supported more than twice the modern city's population.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Founding by Te' K'ab Chaak
AD 331
Lord K'an I accession
AD 531
Yajaw Te' K'inich II accession
AD 553
Tikal defeats Caracol
AD 556
Caracol star war victory over Tikal
AD 562
K'an II reign
AD 618–658
Attacks on Naranjo
AD 627–636
Building boom begins
AD 636
Epicentral occupation begins
c. 650 BC
Accession of K'ahk' Ujol K'inich II
AD 658
Text-poor prosperous phase
AD 702–798
Capture of Ucanal lord and Caana refinished
AD 800
Terminal occupation end
AD 950
Earliest regional occupation
c. 1200 BC
Modern rediscovery by Rosa Mai
1937
Anderson visit and naming
1938
Satterthwaite investigations
1950–1953
Caracol Archaeological Project begins
1985
LiDAR survey and publication
2009–May 2010
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Miscellaneous Features
Public and Civic Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Agricultural and Land Use Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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