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KaʼKabish
17.8161° N, -88.7297° E
About
KaʼKabish is an archaeological site in the Orange Walk District of Belize, Central America, located near the Maya sites of Lamanai, El Pozito, and Blue Creek. It was once a moderate sized city, built as part of the Maya civilization, and has been determined to have been largely autonomous throughout its history. The modern communities of Indian Church and San Filipe are in close proximity to KaʼKabish, and the Mennonite community of Blue Creek is slightly further afield. A road connecting Indian Church to San Filipe separates the site into two areas, the North Complex and the South Complex. Alfredo Barrera Vasquez's Diccionario Maya defines the name as; "KAʼKAB-IS-AX 10: (place name); kaʼkab: village, the seat of population, high land and strong; is: Ipomoea batatas, Lam: sweet + ax: wart; name of the archaeological ruins located near Numkʼini (Nun kʼini, Campeche)." The current name of the site is believed to be relatively modern, but its origin has resisted attempts to be traced.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Initial occupation
c. 400 BCE–200 CE
Occupied through Classic Period
c. 900 CE
Residential occupation persisted
c. 1200 CE
Identified for study
1990
Formative mapping and survey
1995
KARP groundwork begun
2005
First KARP field season
2007
North Complex remapped
2009
Excavations began
2010
Subsequent excavation seasons
2011, 2013, 2015
Structures recorded
2013
Land purchase down payment
July 2015
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Water Management Features
Public and Civic Structures
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
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