Ruins Of Xunantunich – Mayan City That Once Flourished
A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Xunantunich, a major ceremonial center of the Maya Civilization, is an ancient Maya archaeological site atop a ridge above the Mopan River, about 80 miles (130 km) west of Belize City, Cayo District, in western Belize.
It comprises six major plazas, surrounded by over twenty-five temples and palaces. The name 'Xunantunich' derives from the Yucatec Maya language and means 'Stone Woman' (or "Lady of the Rock"). It is a modern name; its ancient name is currently unknown.
"El Castillo" at Xunantunich. Photo credits: - CC BY-SA 4.0
Local legend holds that around the end of the 1800s, a man from the village of San Jose Succotz went hunting near the site and suddenly saw a beautiful, statuesque Maya maiden standing motionless in the rays of the rising sun at the mouth of a cave that extended beneath the giant structure.
Stricken by her appearance, the man threw his gun aside and ran downhill to the village. After recounting his tale, several villagers, led by the native priest, returned to the site.
This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.
Become a member to read more - Click here
If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here
See also:
Dzibilchaltún: One Of The Most Ancient Mayan Centers In Northwest Yucatan, Mexico
Tikal Of Maya: Sophisticated Culture That Experienced Humble Start, Golden Age, Wars And Decline
More From Ancient Pages
-
Chaneques: Mischievous Legendary Tricksters In Mexican Folklore
-
Mystery Of The Horrible ‘Thing’ Found In A Dominican Monastery
-
Rare Viking Boat Burial At Kiloran Bay In Colonsay, Scotland Remains A Fascinating Find
-
Was Ancient Egyptian Science Inherited From A Lost Atlantean Civilization?
-
Surya: Hindu Sun God Who Illuminates The World, Our Lives And Disperses Darkness, Destroys Diseases, And Enemies
-
Ancient DNA Reveals The Earliest Evidence Of The Last Massive Human Migration To Western Europe
-
Cupbearer Was Privy To Conversations And Political Secrets Hidden Behind Closed Doors
-
Ancient Reptilian-Like Humanoids Hold Secrets Of Mankind’s Origin
-
Abu Dhabi Fossil Dunes May Have Inspired The Ancient Great Flood Story – Professor Says
-
Ancient Underwater ‘Lion City’ Rests Beneath The Thousand Island Lake
-
Traces Of The Watchers In Ancient China Shed New Light On This Mysterious Lost Race
-
Bizarre And Rare Finds In Viking Houses – What Was Behind This Mysterious Practice?
-
Tikal Of Maya: Sophisticated Culture That Experienced Humble Start, Golden Age, Wars And Decline
-
Unknown Holographic Technology Hidden In Old Monastery Reveals A Surprising Secret
-
Mysterious Giant Rock Face Discovered On B.C’s Central Coast – Natural Or Man-Made Structure?
-
Gold Treasures Of Ancient King Discovered In North America Create Historical Problems
-
‘Throughout All Days And Nights, Forever’: Could An 11th-Century Contract Show Same-Sex Marriage In Medieval Spain?
-
Gigantic Karnak Temple Complex: Advanced Ancient Technology In Egypt
-
1,200-Year-Old Viking Sword Found By Hiker In Norway
-
Shieldmaiden Hervör’s Dangerous Quest For The Cursed Tyrfing Sword
