Bejucal (Mesoamerican site)

Bejucal is an important Maya archaeological site located in the Petén Department of Guatemala, within the Maya Biosphere Reserve. It is believed to have been established in the second half of the 4th century CE during the Early Classic period. The site was originally the capital of a royal dynasty that later moved to El Zotz. It holds significant historical value due to its conquest by the Teotihuacan-linked general Siyaj K'ak' in 381 CE, who is mentioned in a text as the overlord of Bejucal. The city's rulers eventually became vassals to the mighty city of Tikal. Archaeologically, the site features stelae and sculpted altars, with inscriptions that span a short 40-year period ending around 396 CE, reflecting its dynamic yet brief prominence in the region.