Nakum

Nakum is a significant Mesoamerican archaeological site located in the Petén Basin of Guatemala. It was a key ceremonial center and city of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, forming part of the Cultural Triangle with Yaxha and Naranjo. Notable for its restored architecture, Nakum features an impressive collection of structures, including temples, palaces, and an astronomical complex. The site shows evidence of occupation from the Middle Preclassic period and rose to prominence during the Late Classic period due to its strategic position near the Holmul River. It reached its zenith in the Terminal Classic period, possibly achieving political independence before being abandoned soon thereafter. Nakum provides valuable insights into the sociopolitical and ceremonial aspects of Maya civilization, with its well-preserved architecture and significant amount of Maya script graffiti.