Xunantunich, Cayo, Belize 2016
This is just a snippet of what this amazing place looked like and we wished that we could capture the feeling there.
Xunantunich, Cayo Belize
Welcome to the Stone Lady. The Pyramids had no safety precautions but I am sure you know not to fall off the side, right?
Xunantunich, Cayo, Belize, June 2012
Xunantunich - Cayo, Belize
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Xunantunich Cayo
This Mayan ruin features a 130-foot tall pyramid and impressive stone carvings.
Read more at:
Travel blogs from Xunantunich:
- ... so little I'd probably stare to Well on a lighter note we're on the border with Guatemala now at the ancient mayan temple of Xunantunich it's really cool and huge, 130 ft and the best part is that you can go all the way to the top they ...
- ... in San Ignacio for the night - just as well cos it really poured down there Since the weather was still not looking up, we decided (with trepidation) to head through to Guatemala the next day, visiting the Xunantunich ruins just before the border ...
- ... The day began with a trip to some more maya ruins called Xunantunich near the border set in the most beautiful surroundings ...
Read these blogs and more at:
Photos from:
- Belmopan, Cayo, Belize
- San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize
- San Antonio, Cayo, Belize
Photos in this video:
- View of plaza from the Castillo at Xunantunich by Maine_nomads from a blog titled There's no crying in baseball...
- View of Peten from Xunantunich Pyramid by Panf007 from a blog titled Belize Zoo -- San Ignacio
- On top of the Pyramid in Xunantunich by Panf007 from a blog titled Belize Zoo -- San Ignacio
- Workin` It At Xunantunich by Greg-adrienne from a blog titled Belize
- The Castillo, Xunantunich by Maine_nomads from a blog titled There's no crying in baseball...
- XUNANTUNICH by Hrpitschmann from a blog titled F.A.I.T.H.
Hand-Cranked Ferry Across Mopan River to Xunantunich Mayan ruins Cayo, Belize
Neat old fashiones, hand-crancked ferry that you take across the Mopan River to get to the Xunantunich Mayan ruins
Xunantunich - Mopan River Ferry Crossing - Cayo DIstrict Belize
Crossing the Mopan River by Ferry on way to see the Mayan Ruins @ Xunantunich.
November 2016
Exploring Xunantunich - Belize’s Maya Archaeological Gem
The Cayo District in western Belize, known as the Mundo Maya, the center of the Maya World, is must see for anyone interested in Maya archaeology and culture. Nestled in the Cayo, Xunantunich is a prime example of this. Xunantunich meaning Stone Woman in Yucatec Maya language, extends over a square mile, including six plazas, with more than 26 temples. Given its exquisite beauty, and containing the second tallest structure in the country, it is no wonder it is one of the most popular Maya sites in Belize.
Xunantunich - Belize
Shot on Iphone 6 and 7.
Shot and edited by Glen and Keara Ferguson.
Info from Wikipedia below.
Xunantunich (Mayan pronunciation: [ʃunanˈtunitʃ]) is an Ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border – which is a mere 0.6 miles (1 km) to the west.[1] It served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the Late and Terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region.[2] At this time, when the region was at its peak, nearly 200,000 people lived in Belize.[3]
Xunantunich’s name means Sculpture of Lady in the Maya language (Mopan and Yucatec combination name Xunaan(Noble lady) Tuunich (stone for sculpture)), and, like many names given to Maya archaeological sites, is a modern name; the ancient name is currently unknown. The Stone Woman refers to the ghost of a woman claimed by several people to inhabit the site, beginning in 1892. She is dressed completely in white, and has fire-red glowing eyes. She generally appears in front of El Castillo, ascends the stone stairs, and disappears into a stone wall.[citation needed]
The first modern explorations of the site were conducted by Thomas Gann in the mid-1890s. Gann moved from Britain and served as the district surgeon and district commissioner of Cayo, British Honduras, starting in 1892. He chose this area to settle in because he had an interest in Mayan archaeology, and he wished to be able to explore the (at the time) unknown wonders of the indigenous people.[4] Gann’s successor, Sir J. Eric S. Thompson, implemented a more methodical approach, and was able to establish the region’s first ceramic chronology.[5] The main recent archaeological teams to work at Xunantunich and the surrounding region are the Xunantunich Archaeological Project (XAP) and the Xunantunich Settlement Survey (XSS).
In 1959-60, the Cambridge Expedition to British Honduras arrived in the colony and its archaeologist member, Euan MacKie, carried out several months of excavation at Xunantunich. He excavated the upper building on Structure A-11 in Group B and a newly discovered residential structure, A-15, just outside the main complex. Using the European method of detailed recording of the stratigraphy of the superficial deposits (the masonry structures themselves were not extensively cut into) he was able to infer that both buildings had been shattered by a sudden disaster which marked the end of the Classic period occupation. An earthquake was tentatively proposed as the cause; it is inferred purely on the basis of the excavated evidence, and also on the very damaged state of the top building of Structure A-6 ('El Castillo'). He was also able to confirm the later part of the pottery sequence constructed by Thompson. The detailed report by MacKie is Excavations at Xunantunich and Pomona, Belize, in 1959-60. British Archaeological Reports (Int. series), 251, 1985: Oxford.
Farmers that fed the people living in Xunantunich typically lived in small villages, divided into kin-based residential groups. The farms were spread out widely over the landscape, though the center of Xunantunich itself is rather small in comparison. These villages were economically self-sufficient, which may be the reason why Xunantunich lasted as long as they did; they were not dependent on the city to provide for them.[3] Settlement density was relative to soil quality, proximity to rivers, and localized political histories. Since the farmers were long established on their plots of land, they would not want to be involved with a polity that was under constant upheaval due to invading forces and more.[6] Other nearby Maya archaeological sites include Chaa Creek and Cahal Pech, Buenavista del Cayo, and Naranjo.[7]
Sitio maya No. 74. Xunantunich, Belice
Sitio casi en la frontera entre Belice y Guatemala, junto al río Mopán. Fue vasallo de El Naranjo y se desarrolló al final del clásico, cuando el poder de los grandes estados mayas decayó. Cuenta con grandes edificios, siendo el castillo el mayor de ellos.
XUNANTUNICH Mayan Site Tour
AMIGOS JUNGLE TOURS, SAN PEDRO, AMBERGRIS CAYE
Xunantunich Mayan Site - Belize
This is footage shot from the top of the Mayan Xunantunich site in the Cayo district of Belize. From the top you can see the entire mayan site. Additionally, since the the site sits directly on the border of Belize and Guatamala, you can see a very good view of Guatamala city.
Xunantunich Mayan ruins in Belize
We took a trip to Xunantunich Mayan ruins in Belize during a Western Caribbean cruise
EXPLORING XUNANTUNICH MAYAN SITE
The name Xunantunich derives from the Yucatec Maya language
and means “Stone Woman Xunantunich was first explored in the 1800’s. The first recorded photograph of the site was taken in 1904. Early Belize Maya settlers established a small village at
the site during the Middle ,Preclassic (600-300 BC) period.
The ancient city rose to prominence and declined between AD 700 to 1000. #xunantunich
Tres sitios de Belice, Lamanai-Xunantunich-Caracol
Xunantunich Maya Temple - Cayo District, Belize
Symphony Travel 2009 - Xunantunich Maya Temple - Cayo District, Belize
Belize - Xunantunich - Mayan Indian archaeological site
Belize - Xunantunich - Mayan Indian archaeological site
keywords: cayo belize bahai baha'i maya mayan prophecy
Video posted by Joel Smith
The History of Xunantunich.
Video by Rainforest Reality.
There are many civilizations that have existed in the world. One of them is the Mayan civilization. This is not just one of the oldest civilizations; it is also believed to be a secret and mysterious civilization. The term “Maya” immediately arouses one’s curiosity. The Mayan Indians settled on Mayan highlands about 11,000 years ago. They were just hunters and gatherers at that time. It was only in 2000 B.C. that there was a fluctuation in the Mayan civilization when the people started using farming techniques and building structures. After the destruction of the civilization, the ruins located in Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, the Yucatan peninsula and Mexico still reflect their culture and tradition. When we speak of Mayan excavations, Xunantunich stands in the forefront.
What is Xunantunich?
If you are hearing the word Xunantunich for the first time, you might ask “what is Xunantunich?” It is a small area of archaeological ruins located near the Mopan River, in southern Belize. Xunantunich means “Stone Woman” or “Maiden of the rock” in the Yucatec dialect. These names are derived from the image of a woman depicted in one of the paintings.
These ruins represent the period of AD 650- 1000 of Mayan civilization when the people had mastered the art of construction. Residential structures spread over 22 acres were found in this site. It seems Xunantunich was abandoned in AD 900 and was again occupied in the post-classic period. Castillo, a 40m tall building, is one of the tallest Mayan buildings in Belize. The causeways, ball courts and platform mounds excavated here prove that they were far ahead of their generation.
About Xunantunich
Xunantunich was the first excavated Mayan site in Belize that was opened for the public. Though it is smaller compared to the other Mayan sites, it consists of the tallest structures. The huge statue of the Sun God, El Castillo, and the 130-foot tall pyramid are a couple of structures that attract visitors.
In the 1800s, Thomas Gann excavated Xunantunich. He used dynamite to blast the site; this destroyed most of the artifacts. Other excavations after this were equally unreliable with most of the artifacts being destroyed or vanishing. It was only in the 1990s that careful excavation began. Archaeologists discovered 2 altars and 8 stelae. Stelaes found at various other locations were carved and designed, but the ones found at Xunantunich were plain.
The three most remarkable segments of Xunantunich are the elite residential structures, the middle-class residential structures, and the ceremonial center. The six plazas of the city were surrounded by 25 palaces and several temples. Very brutal games were played in the ball court complex where the losers were put to death.
Life of People in Xunantunich
Most of the people in Xunantunich were farmers who lived in small villages. Their residences were in clusters or residential groups. They were widely spread throughout the village among other professionals. All the people seemed self-contained and independent. The farmers were not associated or related to any organization specifically, as they were constantly under the threat of invading forces. This is one of the reasons why people preferred to stay together and ultimately why Xunantunich lasted so long.
Other Structures
El Castillo is situated in the southern end of the complex. The pyramid is not excavated completely but certainly stands as an example of the Mayan fashion. Xunantunich constantly expanded and progressed within the valley while the other cities were not that progressive. Xunantunich is known to have outdated Buenavista. Xunantunich is also considered to be a safe and protected place, as it is situated on a higher level. The evidence proves that trade and communication prevailed among all the neighboring cities. Pine was mainly imported to Xunantunich where its value and disbursement was controlled and managed by the elite class and rulers. This valuable product was used in rituals and in building structures. The art of pottery followed in various cities of Mayan civilization also carried similarity. Different qualities of pottery and baked products signify the social gaps and differences. Though the varieties of pottery differed, the types were similar in all the areas excavated. This proves the strong relationship between other cities and Xunantunich.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins in Belize
While in Belize, we visited the Mayan Ruins Xunantunich. I have always wanted to do this. It was truly incredible.
Xunantunich is an Ancient Maya archaeological site in western Belize, about 70 miles (110 km) west of Belize City, in the Cayo District. Xunantunich is located atop a ridge above the Mopan River, well within sight of the Guatemala border – which is a mere 0.6 miles (1 km) to the west.[1] It served as a Maya civic ceremonial center in the Late and Terminal Classic periods to the Belize Valley region. At this time, when the region was at its peak, nearly 200,000 people lived in Belize.
Xunantunich’s name means Sculpture of Lady in the Maya language (Mopan and Yucatec combination name Xunaan(Noble lady) Tuunich (stone for sculpture)), and, like many names given to Maya archaeological sites, is a modern name; the ancient name is currently unknown. The Stone Woman refers to the ghost of a woman claimed by several people to inhabit the site, beginning in 1892. She is dressed completely in white, and has fire-red glowing eyes. She generally appears in front of El Castillo, ascends the stone stairs, and disappears into a stone wall.
Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch in Belize | Carnival Shore Excursions | Carnival Cruise Line
Your journey starts with a relaxing, scenic ride to remote ruins. Here you will be able to explore a large ceremonial center, El Castillo (the largest temple) and three other plazas. Take a seat on a natural limestone ridge and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the hilly Cayo District.
After exploring this ancient Mayan site, you'll return to San Ignacio and enjoy a local lunch. Head back to your ship with wonderful memories of Belize and its ancient Mayan history.
Read more about this exciting and information shore excursion here:
Don't forget, there are plenty of things to do and see in Belize! Check it out here:
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Xunantunich Mayan Ruins with Lunch in Belize | Carnival Shore Excursions | Carnival Cruise Line
A day in Belize visiting Xunantunich
On a cruise on the Carnival Dream stopped in Belize so we visited Xunantunich Mayan ruins and climbed the main pyramid El castillo.