Belize

Nohmul

Maya archaeological site and pyramid in northern Belize

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Nohmul (or Noh Mul) is a pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site located on the eastern Yucatán Peninsula, in what is today northern Belize. The name Nohmul may be translated as "great mound" in Yucatec Maya. It is the most important Maya site in northern Belize. The site included a large pyramid, about 17 meters (56 ft) tall, built around 250 BC. Most of the pyramid was destroyed in May 2013 by contractors tearing it apart for rocks and gravel to use to fill roads, leaving only the core of the pyramid behind.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Late Classic resurgence

7th–10th centuries

Large pyramid construction

c. 250 BC

Initial occupation

c. 350 BC

Monumental construction decline

5th century

Occupied into the 12th century

12th century

First published reference

1897

Gann excavations

1908–1936

Mapping by Hammond

1973

Nohmul Project excavations

1980s

Pyramid destruction

2013-05-13

Charges filed over destruction

2013-06-27

Convictions and fines

2016-04

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Public and Civic Structures

PlazasAdministrative Buildings
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

Pyramids
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial MoundsLandscaped Earthworks
category

Transportation and Communication Structures

RoadsRaised causeway (sacbe)
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

Belize

Coordinates

18.22° N, -88.58° E