Uaxactun
Uaxactún Archaeological Site · Group E Type Observatory
Middle Preclassic to Late Classic·Maya (Miron–Holmul–Tikal sphere)·🇬🇹 Petén Department, Flores, Guatemala
About
About Uaxactun
Maya metropolis (Preclassic–Classic) 20 km north of Tikal comprising Groups A–H, world type-site for E-Group astronomical complex — Structure E-VII Sub (Preclassic) with three eastern shrines marking solstitial/equinoctial sunrise over 90° axis, Groups A and B causeway palaces, Tikal linkage and Sihyaj K'ak' (4th c) entrada staging. Excavated Carnegie Institution Smith 1926–37, Laporte-Valdés 1980s: dynastic stelae. Georeference 17.3913°N -89.6295°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 mattersType site for 100+ Maya E-Group solar observatories; genome for Maya archaeoastronomy historiography.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01E-VII Sub preserved under later pyramid intentional capping — memory or orientation preservation
Theories
- 01Uaxactun E-Group proven as solar calendar not observatory precision — ritual staging of equinox festivals
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.500 BCE–900 CE (Group E 400 BCE)
- Period
- Middle Preclassic to Late Classic
- Culture
- Maya (Miron–Holmul–Tikal sphere)
- Purpose
- Type-site for E-Group astronomical observatory and dynastic temple city
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE
- Rediscovered
- 20th c. survey
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
On the ground
Structures & features
17.3913° N · 89.6295° W · 280 m · 2 mapped features
Uaxactun central pyramid/structure
pyramidGroup E E-VII 8 m substructure within 300 m astronomical axis primary mound/structure
17.3923° N · 89.6295° WUaxactun plaza/causeway component
earthworkAssociated plaza and causeway/road segment flanking main architecture
17.3903° N · 89.6285° W
Gallery