Uaxactún, The Lofty Maya City Born of Heaven
Given its location between Tikal and Calakmul, it’s no surprise that Uaxactún played a major role in the centuries-long “Star Wars” conflict between these two great powers.
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Urban sprawl and the destruction of Mérida’s largest pyramid at X’catzmil
X’catzmil is perhaps the most overlooked archaeological site in Mérida, in the community of Plan de Ayala, near the city’s southern boundary. The fact that X’catzmil is so overlooked is unfortunate since it is home to possibly the largest Prehispanic structure still surviving within Mérida’s city limits — excluding Dzibilchaltún in Chablekal. Reliable sources on…
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Hustle and Bustle Among Ancient Temples in Acanceh
There is no getting away from it, Acanceh is a bit of an odd place — but in a good way.
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Jaguars, sacrifice, and power in the virtually unknown ancient city of Acaquilpan
The centuries have not been kind to Acaquilpan, yet its wonders shine through.
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Nohoch Caucel: the 2,800-year-old Maya megalopolis hiding in Mérida’s northwest
Nohoch Caucel covers an area larger than Valladolid, Yucatán’s second-largest city.
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Marvel at the great Oxkintok and the mystery of its labyrinth
Evidence of several large structures several kilometers away from the core of Oxkintok can be seen off the side of the road on the highway to Campeche.
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Dzilam, a once-mighty stronghold, is nearly beyond recognition today
Just before the conquest, the archaeological remains in the community of Dzilam González belonged to a large kingdom with its capital in Izamal.
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The allure and mystery of the ancient Zapotec city of Dainzú
Established in the 7th century BCE, Dainzú was, along with San José del Mogote, already going strong for centuries by the time of the founding of Monte Albán.
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Yagul mesmerizes with more than 4,000 years of history
Though we will likely never know what these first settlers called the site over 4000 years ago, its Zapotec name Yagul roughly translates to “old tree.”
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The obscure caves of Aktún Usil dare adventurous souls
The cave system and archaeological site Aktún Usil are seldom explored by all but the most adventurous visitors to the Yucatán.
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Despite its grandeur, the ancient city of Acozac eludes travelers
Acozac was first investigated by the INAH in the 1970s during an urban expansion project and the construction of a golf club.
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Archaeology in Cancún and the Mayan Riviera
For travelers, the Yucatán Peninsula is synonymous with pristine beaches and a vibrant culture that traces its roots back thousands of years. Every year millions of visitors flying into Cancún take day trips to Chichén Itzá to see Mexico’s most famous archaeological site for themselves. But what most of these people ignore is that archaeology…
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Exploring the ‘hidden’ Maya archaeology of eastern Mérida
Few major cities in Mexico can compete with Mérida for the sheer amount of archaeological remains. Many of the grand pyramids and temples that once stood in what today is Mérida have succumbed to the ravages of time and pillaging. However, there are still a great many sites to explore in Yucatán’s capital city. One…
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Tohcok, ‘the place of the precious flint knife’
There are literally thousands of archaeological sites of varying sizes dotting the Yucatán Peninsula, several being very hard to get to, but as it happens Tohcok lay right on the side of the highway.
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Even after 3,500 years, San José del Mogote never ceases to amaze
A contemporary of several of the Olmecs’ most ancient settlements is the Zapotec ceremonial center of San José del Mogote. Founded around 1500 BCE, San José del Mogote is notable not only for its sheer antiquity but also for the size of its temples and inscriptions. During the last half of the 1960s, research teams…
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Zaachila: The final resting place for kings of old and the last Zapotec princess
If you arrive at Zaachila knowing nothing about the site and take a quick look around, you may ask what exactly is so special about this place. Sure, the surrounding Oaxacan town and its market are extremely charming, but aside from the remains of a handful of pyramids — now turned into mounds littered with ancient…
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Beyond San Gervasio, there are more fascinating Mayan ruins on the island of Cozumel
Cozumel is home to several Mayan ruins most visitors, and even most locals, are not aware of.
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An amazing secret west of Mérida: the city’s largest pyramid
Ya’axtal Park in Mérida, Yucatán is one place people regularly pass by. But few have any idea of the archaeological wonders it hides within.
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Chen Hó, one of Mérida’s oldest Maya suburbs, sheds new light on the city’s ancient past
Chen Hó is one of Mérida’s most frequented archaeological sites and is often described as the city’s first suburb.
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Surrounded by high rises, the ‘ancient Altabrisa’ ruins hide their treasures well
One of the least-known urban archaeological sites is a cluster of Mayan structures located just behind a pair of gleaming luxury condo towers in the Altabrisa neighborhood.
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Kulubá, the grand Maya capital of Yucatán’s East
With strong ties to some of the Peninsula’s most powerful city-states, Kulubá is believed to have ruled northeastern Yucatán with an iron fist.
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Acatitlán: The Mexica-Aztec city of the mighty war god
The exquisitely preserved ruins of the ancient city of Acatitlán are just a short drive from Mexico City.
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Tlatelolco: A story of violence, sacrifice, and the birth of modern Mexico
Tlatelolco is fairly unique among archaeological sites in Mexico, as both its ancient and contemporary histories evoke intense feelings.
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Cuicuilco — forged in stone and destroyed by lava
Built in the 8th century BCE, Cuicuilco is one of the most ancient settlements in all of Mesoamerica.
That’s all for now
That’s all for now