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Guatemala

El Zotz

Classic Period Maya city with temples.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

El Zotz, located in the Petén Basin of Guatemala, is a significant Mesoamerican archaeological site known for its Classic Period Maya civilization features. The site includes numerous temples, ceremonial platforms, and stelae, with the most prominent structure being the 45-meter-high temple known as El Diablo. The city was a place of political intrigue, sharing an Emblem Glyph with Yaxchilan and experiencing influence from the powerful city of Teotihuacan. El Zotz was strategically aligned with Tikal's rival, Calakmul, during periods of conflict. The site is rich in archaeological features, including palaces, tombs, and causeways, reflecting its complex social and political history. Today, it remains a vital part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, threatened by modern challenges such as looting and deforestation.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at El Zotz

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FileMA_D293_Maya_stone_carving_from_Copan.jpg
FileTemple_4_at_Tikal_from_El_Diablo_at_El_Zotz.JPG

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Defensive Structures

Defensive WallsFortified Camps

Water Management Features

Causeways

Public and Civic Structures

Plazas

Burial and Funerary Structures

TombsPyramids

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesStelaeCeremonial PlatformsAltars

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Palaces

Environmental and Natural Features

Artificial Mounds

Historical Timeline

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

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Guatemala
Source
Wikipedia