Q'umarkaj
Q'umarkaj (q-umarkaj-utlatan)
Classic·Maya/Andean·🇬🇹 Guatemala, Quiché Department, Guatemala
About
About Q'umarkaj
Q'umarkaj — K'iche' capital (1400–1524 CE) with Temple of Tohil 12 m high, walled ravine promontory 400×200 m, Popol Vuh capital burned by Alvarado after siege. Three temples of Tohil, Awilix, Jakawitz with cave-shrine and lineage plazas. Carmack 1960s excavations.
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
15.0230° N · 91.1720° W · 2150 m · 2 mapped features
Q Umarkaj Utlatan — Principal
structurePrimary structure at q-umarkaj-utlatan
15.0240° N · 91.1710° WQ Umarkaj Utlatan — Ancillary
complexSecondary plaza at q-umarkaj-utlatan
15.0219° N · 91.1728° W
Gallery