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Calakmul

May 15, 2010 - By 

Attribution:

José Manuel Reyes F.

Key Dates

Thriving between 400 and 900 AD, the Mayan city of Calakmul was rediscovered from the air in 1931.

Campeche
Mexico
Key People

The city was rediscovered by biologist Cyrus L. Lundell who was working for the Mexican Exploitation Chicle Company. He reported his findings to Sylvanus Morley of the Carnegie Institute.

The largest Mayan city ever to be discovered, Calakmul may once have accommodated a population of 50,000 and held sway over terroritories as far as 150km distant from it. It stands in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, deep in the jungle of the Pete Basin and only 30km from the border with Guatemala.

Structurally rich, the site contains 117 stelae (commemorative stone tablets) and numerous murals depicting all aspects of city life. Numerous ceramic remains have also been found carrying a snake emblem, which has been found on other ceramics in the region, bearing testament to the power that Calakmul once exercised.

Admission Fee
Admission Fee

Given the remote location of the city, it is probably best to access it as part of an organised tour.

Related Websites
UNESCO entry