Zapote Bobal
Guatemala

Zapote Bobal

Maya site with palaces and pyramids.

Location

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Historical Context

About

Zapote Bobal is a pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site situated in the Petén department of Guatemala. Notable for its royal palace, temple-pyramids, and numerous monuments, the site reflects the architectural grandeur of a short-lived but significant Maya center. The core area of Zapote Bobal was constructed rapidly over an older sociopolitical landscape, indicative of a dynastic upheaval or split in the Late Classic Period. The city served as a kingdom's hub, ruled by kings bearing the title 'ajaw,' and had connections with other prominent Maya centers like Piedras Negras and Yaxchilan. Despite its brief history, ending around 800 CE, Zapote Bobal was a critical player in regional politics, evidenced by ties to notable figures such as King B'alaj Chan K'awiil of Dos Pilas.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Visual Archive

Gallery

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FileEstela_12.jpg
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Flourishing of royal dynasty

600 CE

Disintegration of royal dynasty

800 CE

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Religious and Ritual Structures

TemplesStelaePyramids
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

Monuments
category

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Palaces
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

Guatemala

Coordinates

17.31° N, -90.31° E