Kaminaljuyu
Kaminaljuyu (kaminaljuyu-guatemala-city)
Classic·Maya/Andean·🇬🇹 Guatemala, Guatemala Department, Guatemala
About
About Kaminaljuyu
Kaminaljuyu — highland Maya metropolis with 200 earthen mounds (Mound E-III-3 20 m high) under Guatemala City, Teotihuacan-linked obsidian capital. Largest highland center 1500 BCE–1200 CE with Miraflores canal and obsidian workshop, 5 km². Pennsylvania State excavations document Teotihuacan highland gateway and 200 mound ceremonial precinct.
Why it mattersKey reference for regional chronology and architectural phasing.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Function vs symbolic meaning
Theories
- 01Ceremonial centre model
- 02Territorial marker
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.600–900 CE (Classic)
- Period
- Classic
- Culture
- Maya/Andean
- Builders
- Regional builders
- Purpose
- Ceremonial and administrative center
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 20th century; INAH/Proyecto excavations
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c.600 CE
Initial construction
c.900 CE
Major refurbishment and abandonment
1970s
Modern excavation and consolidation
On the ground
Structures & features
14.6263° N · 90.5428° W · 1480 m · 2 mapped features
Kaminaljuyu Guatemala City — Principal
structurePrimary structure at kaminaljuyu-guatemala-city
14.6273° N · 90.5418° WKaminaljuyu Guatemala City — Ancillary
complexSecondary plaza at kaminaljuyu-guatemala-city
14.6252° N · 90.5436° W