El Mirador La Danta
Danta pyramid El Mirador Petén
Late Classic·Maya·🇬🇹 Petén (north of Carmelita), Guatemala
About
About El Mirador La Danta
Giant Preclassic Maya pyramid La Danta at El Mirador (300 BCE) 72 m high (170 m with platform) 2800×1900 m base platform, largest pyramid volume in Maya. Well-preserved example of pyramid architecture with stratified deposits and temple platforms. Excavated and mapped with radiocarbon chronology and measured plans, representing key horizon marker.
Why it mattersKey pyramid of region with regional type-site.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre
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.2400 BCE
- Period
- Late Classic
- Culture
- Maya
- Builders
- Local dynasty
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and settlement mound / pyramidal tomb and temple
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.2500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c.1500 BCE
Major refurbishment
1950
Modern survey
On the ground
Structures & features
17.7500° N · 89.9200° W · 310 m · 2 mapped features
El Mirador La Danta — Main platform/pyramid
pyramidCentral pyramid mound and summit temple
17.7505° N · 89.9195° WEl Mirador La Danta — Secondary enclosure
enclosureAncillary wall and courtyard
17.7495° N · 89.9205° W