Caracol — Caana North Terrace Palace (Belize)
Caana N Terrace
Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)·Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom; Maya·🇧🇿 Cayo, Caracol, Belize
About
About Caracol — Caana North Terrace Palace (Belize)
Caracol — Caana North Terrace Palace (Belize) in Cayo, Caracol, Belize is a Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE) pyramid attributed to Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal platform and workshop area. Dimensions base 22.5 m × 22.5 m; height 12 m; inclination 52°; area 38.7 ha. Excavation unexcavated; condition buried. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom pyramid with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 500 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Construction technique
Theories
- 01Territorial marker
- 02Elite residence hypothesis
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 2600 BCE
- Period
- Old to Middle Kingdom (2700–1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Old Kingdom / Middle Kingdom; Maya
- Builders
- Old Kingdom
- Purpose
- Funerary monument and ritual complex
- Excavation
- Unexcavated
c. 2600 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1140 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1920
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
16.7600° N · 89.1200° W · 500 m · 4 mapped features
Main Pyramid Core
pyramidMain Pyramid Core at Caracol — Caana North Terrace Palace (Belize) — pyramid with stratified deposits
16.7600° N · 89.1209° WMortuary Chapel
chapelMortuary Chapel at Caracol — Caana North Terrace Palace (Belize) — chapel with stratified deposits
16.7615° N · 89.1191° WCauseway Segment
causewayCauseway Segment at Caracol — Caana North Terrace Palace (Belize) — causeway with stratified deposits
16.7588° N · 89.1189° WSubsidiary Shaft
shaftSubsidiary Shaft at Caracol — Caana North Terrace Palace (Belize) — shaft with stratified deposits
16.7624° N · 89.1178° W