Nakum
Nakum Archaeological Site · Nakum Pyramid and Temple V
Preclassic–Terminal Classic·Maya (Holmul valley)·🇬🇹 Petén, Guatemala
Wikipedia contributors · CC (see file page)
About
About Nakum
Strategic acropolis city (600 BCE–950 CE) 18 km north of Yaxhá on Holmul River terrace, with Temple V 40-m pyramid, North Acropolis triadic group, Central Plaza and South Acropolis palace range, 15 stelae, and causeway north to Yaxhá. Largest intact Terminal Classic temples in Cultural Triangle; excavated Bernard Hermes. Georeference 17.17°N -89.37°W. Investigation chronology and architecture as per Peru–Mexico survey consensus; extended description synthesizes excavation report dimensions and cultural phase via regional Atlas.
Why it mattersBest-preserved Terminal Classic resurgence in northeastern Petén after Tikal collapse, with 15 stelae and codex-style ceramics.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Terminal Classic 800–950 fluorescence after regional collapse — refugee elite or autonomous revival
Theories
- 01Nakum as southeastern Petén holdout capital during Collapse managing Holmul trade bottleneck
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 BCE–950 CE
- Period
- Preclassic–Terminal Classic
- Culture
- Maya (Holmul valley)
- Purpose
- Holmul valley acropolis temple city post-collapse resurgence
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 20th c. survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
17.1700° N · 89.3700° W · 230 m · 2 mapped features
Gallery