Features of the architecture of the sculpture and painting Maya. Sculpture, painting - Maja Empire Culture

Of his flourishing of the civilization of Decolumbovoy America reached Mayan, Incs and Aztecs. A number of common allows scientists to conclude that heiress cultural tradition Olmekov became the Mayan civilization.

The history of the culture of this people is customary to divide for three periods. First period (from antiquity until 317) - the time of the occurrence of states-states, primitive gravy farming, making cotton fabrics, etc. Second period (317-987) - an ancient kingdom, or a classic period, is the growth time of cities (Palenk, Chichen Itsa, Tuluma) and at the same time the mysterious outcome of the population at the beginning of the X century. Third period (987-XVI century) is a new kingdom, or post-classical period, - the time of the arrival of European conquistadors, adopting new laws, styles in life and art, mixing cultures, fratricidal wars, etc.

About 300 g. BC. In the geographical area, covering part of modern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras, the Mayan civilization began to form. On this territory, Maya has built several majestic ritual centers, the ruins of which are preserved to this day. These centers consisted of several large buildings, and their population was insignificant - mostly priests, their servants and artisans. In the centers, large religious holidays were held, which were flown by large masses of people.

Maja's spiritual basis of the Maja culture, as in many ancient civilizations. In the views of Maya, the world was a complicated formation, it was filled with various sacred forces. Therefore, the pantheon of the gods was very large. Dozens of gods are known, which, depending on their functions, are divided into groups: the gods of fertility, water, hunting, fire, stars, death, war, etc. The main god of the fruitful rain and deadly zipper with his head, like Tapira, the God of the Sun and the Night Sky, the God of Corn is a patron of life and death. All of them had a human appearance, thanks to which they can be easily found in hieroglyphic inscriptions.

The basis of Maja's religious views was the connection of life and death, the eternal cycle of dying and revival. Therefore, all the Maya deities are dual and combine two opposite beginners - life and death, love and hatred, land and sky. The Maja's main gods were portrayed as a feathers: feathers - the symbol of the sky, the snake - the symbol of the Earth. They believed that depending on the acts of a person after the death of a man's soul remain in a state of serene bliss, either in eternal flour. Eternal bliss expects someone who deserved it, and the sinners are sent to a notnal - the hell, the ever cold region, inhabited by demons.

The religious rituals of the ancient Maya were very complex, especially the sacrifices of the of different types, among which were the most common human, since it was believed that the gods eat only human blood. Like a Volmek civilization, Mayan sacrifice the gods were brought beautiful girls, getting an eternal happy life for it, and the best young men - winners in the ball.

It was believed that each of the gods alternately rules the world after certain intervals, for example in a year or several years. By the time of the beginning of the reign of a certain god, Maya exposed his statues in the temples and in the squares and those stood until the time of his rule end. The reign of an evil deity brought people to trouble and suffering, and good - prosperity and prosperity. The universe, according to Maya, is difficult: it was divided into 13 spaces, each of them kept some kind of God. The sky was supported by four deities, and everyone had their own color: a red belonged to God of the East, the White - the God of the North, Black - the West God, Yellow - the Yuga God; In the center of the universe was located green. Thus, the number of four Maya had a special magical knowledge. It is likely that this is explained by the existence of the Maya four capitals: Copan, Kalakmul, Tikal, Palenka.

Maya architecture

Architecture Received the greatest development in Maja's material culture. There were two types of architectural structures - residential buildings and monumental ceremonial facilities. Conventional residential buildings were often built on platforms, had rectangular outlines, stone walls, isochki, indoor straw, duplex roofs; In the center of the house built a focus of stones. The type of ceremonial buildings belonged to the pyramids that served as the basis of the temple, raising it as high as possible to the sky; Most often, the temples were located on the vertices of the pyramids. They were square in the plan, had a tuck internal space (due to thick walls), decorated with inscriptions, ornaments and played the role of sanctuations. A sample of the architecture of this type is the "Temple of the inscriptions" in Palenka. Mayan buildings were built after certain intervals - 5, 20 and 50 years. Archaeological evidence suggests that Maya every 52 years later stoned its pyramids and had steles (Altari) every five years. In the records on the altars reported any events. Similar subordination of artistic culture calendar and time did not exist anywhere in the world.

Maja sculpture and painting

Sculpture and painting Harmoniously complemented Maya architecture. Their images represent a panorama of society. The main themes of images are deities, rulers, life. Altari and steles were decorated with multifiant compositions combining various sculptural genres. Maya used all sculptural genres - threads, bas-relief, burner, round and simulated volume. Obsidian, flint, jade, sink, bone and wood were used as material. Maya was able to make the objects of the cult of clay, covering them with painting. Many sculptures were painted. Sculptors paid great attention to the expression of people, details of clothing.

The sculptural tradition of Maya Indians is distinguished by realism, brightness and energy. On steles and in temple reliefs, sculpture images of people are performed at the same time realistic and artificially motionless. A compulsory requirement for sculptural figures was S-shaped reversal: foot feet and head of figures were depicted in profile, and torso and shoulders - Fear. In ritual centers, sculptural monuments-steles were erected with hieroglyphic inscriptions belonging to the priest ruler, whose image was present at the monument containing a description of any historical event or a pedigree to whom this monument was devoted. Often the date of death of this person or his coming to power was indicated. The person itself was depicted with full ritual regalia, including ear and nasal decorations, bracelets, necklaces, headdress with feathers and ceremonial rod.

Maja's customs and traditions

Customs and traditions They played a special role in the life of Maya, primarily associated with the birth of a child, the achievement of puberty, marriage. The birth of a person was considered a manifestation of the harm of the gods, especially the goddess of the Moon - Ish-Chel. The priests gave the baby to the child name and made a horoscope for him, predicting what the deity would patronize or harm the child throughout his life.

One of the main signs of Beauty from Maya was considered a squint. For its development to the hair of the child, a rubber ball or a small bead hanging between the eyes was attached. A front of the baby's head was tightly knitted with a wooden plank so that the skull became more flat and lengthened the forehead line, which was considered a sign of beauty and a high public situation.

In the life of each representative of the Maya people, a rite of puberty was important. The day for him was chosen especially carefully. On the appointed day, all participants of the celebration gathered in the courtyard of the patron at home. The priest made a ceremony of cleansing the housing and expelled an evil spirit, the courtyard was swept off and spread the mat on Earth. The rite ended with the feast and universal drunkenness. After him, marriage was allowed. Fathers chose to their sons of future wives, observing the ban on marriages with rods related to blood relations.

A special occupation in the Mayan culture was considered a game of a ball that was religious and ceremonial. Preparation for the game was accompanied by a complex ritual, since it was believed that certain deities enters into the fight.

The death of the Mayan civilization refers to the XI century. This historical fact It is still a mystery, since a huge empire suddenly died without visible reasons. At the same time, the cities remained intact - without traces of destruction, as if their inhabitants would briefly endured and soon gathered to return.

On the right recognized by one of the brightest ones. A group of a variety of Indian peoples is about 2.7 million inhabited in Mexico. There is a hypothesis that people settled America thirty thousand years ago, coming there from Asia.

Despite the fact that Maya up to the 15th century n. e. They did not know how to handle the land with a plow and did not use on their activities of man-fate animals, did not have wheeled carriages and ideas about metals, they were constantly improved.

In particular, they mastered the hieroglyphic writing. With the help of Ieroglyphs, Maya wrote codes - books on a kind of paper. They are currently helping scientists in the study of this civilization. For the first time, the codes translated the German scientist E. Ferustemann at the end of the XIX century.

Maja in the movement of the Moon and the Sun - predicted eclipses. Their calculations regarding the movements of Venus were also close to the correct, the difference was only 14 seconds per year. They also earlier than the representatives of the Arab countries and the Indians began to use the concept of zero.

A skillful association of astronomical knowledge and writing helped tribes to fix time. Their accounts called "Zolkin" and "Tonalamatl" had in their base number 20 and 13. The roots of the first of them leave much at an earlier time, which in which Maya lived, however, they would have improved the system.

In this civilization, art flourished: they created excellent sculptures, products from ceramics, the majestic buildings were erected and engaged in painting.

The highest degree of development in antiquity The art of Mexican Indians has reached in the time interval from 250 to 900 N. e., the so-called classic period. The most beautiful frescoes were found by researchers of the cities of Palenk, Copane and Bonampack. Now they are equal to cultural monuments of antiquity, because the ancient Maya images really do not give way to the latter. Unfortunately, many of the values \u200b\u200bhave not been preserved to our years, destroyed or time, or inquisition.

Architecture

The main motifs in the Mayan architecture are deities, snakes and masks. Religious and mythological themes are reflected in small ceramics, so in sculptures and bas-reliefs. Created their works of Maya art from stone, mainly using limestone.

The architecture of this people is magnificent, for it is characterized by massive, aspiring the facades in palaces and temples, ridges on the roofs.

Research of the people Maya.

The Indians created the cities using only the muscular strength, under the leadership of the kings and priests, temples and palaces were erected, military campaigns. Unfortunately, now most Maya cities turned into ruins. They had their gods, which they worshiped, had ritual sacrifices and rites.

For a long time, scientists believed that no one lived in ceremonial centers, and the buildings were used only to commit rites. But later it was proved that most of their palaces of nobility and priests were built close enough to them.

Thanks to the research of ceremonial centers, there has been enough plenty of information regarding the vital activity of the highest sections of the Maya society. In contrast, it was known about the lower grades. For example, the issue of the life of the farmers was not sufficiently studied, and they precisely containing dominant layers with the help of their work. It is this side of the life of Maya and is currently being studied by archaeologists.

New studies allowed scientists to create a completely different chronology of this civilization. They found out that Maya at least 1000 years older than previously supposed. This was done thanks to the radio carbon study of wooden products found by archaeologists. It has been proven that they were made in the period 2750 - 2450. BC e. Accordingly, the Mayan culture turned out to be older than Olmekskaya, who was considered before that moment on the ancestor of Maya and another number of other civilizations. So eliminated the factor of the influence of Olmek culture and put forward a hypothesis about a possible reverse effect. Thus, further studies of the history of the continent will be required. After all, only one season of excavations was able to add a thousand years to the existence of Maya and more than one and a half to the prehistory of the entire Mesoamerica.

The opening of archaeologists allowed to create more accurate periodization due to a number of reasons, the main of which are two:

1. In large quantities, ceramic products were found, allowing when using the most modern methods more accurately donate an ancient culture.
2. Thanks to the hieroglyphic writing of the ancient Indians, it was possible to translate most of their records, comparing with them with them, and then with a modern calendar. It helped to determine up to a month of the date of special for civilization of Maya events, the reign of rulers and simply important for the history of personalities, their names, years of life.

Territory and climate

In an impressive territory (with an area of \u200b\u200b325 thousand square kilometers), which is now occupied by various states of Mexico and where Maya had previously lived, actually allocate some natural zones. Each of them has its climate, its natural conditions, vegetation, relief, etc. That is, each natural zone is a kind of environmental system. The first of the systems - nominated by a peculiar semicircle to the south, capturing the south-west and southeast, plateau and mountain chains of the Central American Cordillera. The second environmental system conventionally attribute valleys and hills around the Petensky Basin in Guatemala, as well as the indoor pool itself and the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. The last zone of Maya dislocation is plain in the north of Yucatana. Spacious, covered with grass and shrubs, she was also populated by Indians of antiquity.

Linguistic features Maya.

Until these times, 24 Maya has been preserved, the most important of which are combined into language families, and in turn - in the general linguistic branch.

Whasheksky to this day can be heard in one of the northern regions of Veracruz, and still remains a mystery, why there were native speakers. Emigrated in this place they are about 1200 BC. e. - Even before the Mayan civilization arose. In addition to Wastecks, there were other emigrants far beyond the limits of the Mayan range, but they mainly remained on the same territory what the studies of modern linguistics specialists are talking about. In their opinion, for 2500 years BC. e. In those places there was a community whose members talked in the Language of Promotion. He gradually divided into dialects, and their carriers were forced to emigrate. So it was determined the area of \u200b\u200bthe life of the Peoples of Maya. And directly their history it became possible to divide on specific periods due to the data archaeological excavations.

Maya today

Today, the number of descendants of ancient civilization on the Yucatan Peninsula is approximately 6.1 million, while in Guatemala, approximately 40% Maya lives, and in Belize - in the region of 10%. Maja's religious preferences have been modified over time and now constitute a combination of ancient traditions and Christian. Each modern Mayan community has its own patron. The form of donations also changed, now these are candles, spices or poultry. A number of Maya groups wishing to stand out among others have special motifs in traditional clothing.

Majandonian Maya is known as the most preserved tradition of the group. Christianity practically did not influence this community, their clothing is characterized by a cotton composition and decorated with traditional motifs. But nevertheless, more and more Maja representatives are subject to progress: they are watching televisions, drive on cars, change clothes into modern things. Moreover, Maya earns money on tourism, talking about the traditions of his civilization.

It is especially worth noting the Mexican state of Chiapas. There, a number of villages controlled by Sapatistami have achieved in the nearby past of autonomy to management.

The Mayan civilization was one of the greatest pre-columbian civilizations. Its scale extended to the entire North Region of Central America, including the territories of modern states - Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Mexico and South-Western Okrain of Honduras.

The peak of its urbanism and large-scale construction Most Maya cities have reached the classic period from 250 to 900 of our era. The most notable monuments of this period are the ancient temples that were built in almost every major city. For unknown reasons, most Maja centers have come to be launched for several subsequent centuries. And by the time of the arrival of the conquistadors, the Mayan civilization was already in the deepest decline.

There are several versions of the possible cause of the death of civilization, among which the depletion of the soil, the loss of water sources and erosion, earthquake, disease, as well as the likely military invasion of other highly developed crops. Some Mayan cities having the highest historical and cultural value are included in. Special tourist interest today represents ancient architecture, stone sculptures, bas-reliefs and stylized religious paintings on the walls of houses. As well as the preserved massive palaces, the ancient temples and pyramids.

We have already told you about impressive, today you can get acquainted with the most interesting ancient cities of the Mayan civilization.

Ancient Mayan cities - Photo

Ruins Tikal are located on the territory of the same name national Park. And this is perhaps one of the largest archaeological objects of the Mayan civilization in Central America. It was this place that became an inspirer, and then reflected in the film Mela Gibson "Apocalypse". A trip to Tikal financially is quite expensive, compared with other areas to the ruins of the Mayan civilization. But the preserved pyramids, stone royal Palaces, paintings and frescoes are in order to see them. In 1979. national Park Tikal was declared an object World Heritage UNESCO. By the way, be on the check, in dense forests surrounding the park, the predatory jaguars are found.

The Big Precolumba City of Chichen Isza is located in the Mexican state of Yucatan. This large destroyed city, apparently, was one of TOLLANOV - a place of honoring the mythological deity of Ketzalcoatil (feathered snakes). This is evidenced by images found at the ball stadium. Chichen-Itsa is known for a large variety of architectural styles. This city was attractive for the inhabitants, because there were two deep sensations, which provided the population with water all year round. One of these natural wells is the Sacred Senot - a place of sacrifice and pilgrimage of the ancient Maya. Chichen Itza is very popular among tourists, more than 1.2 million people attend it every year.

This Mayan city flourished in the south of Mexico in the 7th century to our era. After the fall, the city was for a long time being absorbed by the jungle before opened and turned into famous place Archaeological excavations. Palenka is located on the Usumasinta River 130 km south of Ciudad del Carmen. It is significantly less than tickle, but it can boast of its architecture that preserved the sculptures and bas-reliefs of the ancient Maya. Numerous hieroglyphic inscriptions on the monuments allowed experts to restore most of the story of Palenc. These same experts and archaeologists argue that only 10% of the territory of the ancient city is emerging and studied. The rest is nearby, but hidden under the ground, in the thickets of thick jungle.

The ancient ruins of the city of Kalakmul are hidden in the jungle of the Mexican State of Campeche. This is one of major cities Mayan. More than 6,500 buildings were found on the territory of about 20 square kilometers. Self big pyramids Reach the height of 50 meters and the width of the base of 140 meters. In the classical period, the era of the dawn of Kalakmul was observed. At this time, he was in tough rivalry with a tickle, this confrontation can be compared with the clarification of the political ambitions of the two superpowers. The name of the serpentine kingdom, the Kalakmul spread its active influence within a radius of several hundred kilometers. This is evidenced by the characteristic stone emblems depicting a snake head found in small Mayan villages.

The Maya Ushmal ruins are 62 kilometers from Merida, Yucatan State Administrative Center. Ruins are famous for their sizes and decoration of buildings. But there are few people known about them, since there were no significant archaeological studies here. Ushmal was founded in 500 years of our era. Most of the preserved buildings refer to 800 - 900 years, the pyramids and various structures can be observed in almost the priority form. The prevailing architectural style of the PUAK is distinguished by the variety of jewelry on the facades of buildings.

Ruins are located on the shore of the lagoon in the Ordzh-Wolcome County in the north-central part of Belize. Translated from the Language of Maya the name of the city, which has three thousand-year history, means "drowned crocodile". Unlike other Mayan cities, Lamanay was still in the population, when Spanish conquistadors invaded here in the 16th century. During the excavations held in the 1970s, there were three significant structures in the 1970s: the temple of the mask, the Temple of the jaguar and the high temple. To be among these ruins, located deeply in the jungle, it is necessary to join an organized water excursion from the city of Orinj Walc. There is a small museum showing ancient artifacts and telling the history of Maya.

The name of this ancient archaeological monument in translation means "Stone Woman". It is associated with the history of whiteness, according to which, in these places, the ghost of a woman periodically appears from 1892. The ghost in white clothes with flames and red eyes climbs the stairs to the top of the main temple and dissolves through the wall. Ruins are located in the village of San Jose Succotz village in the West of the country. In this village you need to take advantage of a small ferry to cross the Mopan River. Reaching Ruins, do not deny the opportunity to climb the top of the Shonantunical Palace - a huge pyramid with a stunning view of the valley of the river.

City-fortress Tulum, which served as the port for the city of Koba, is located on eastern coast Peninsula Yucatan. It was built in 1200 years, during the time when Maya's civilization was already in decline. Therefore, he lacks some elegance and grace in the architecture characteristic of the classical period of development. But unique place Location on the bank Caribbean, the proximity of numerous beaches and Mexican resorts, made the port of Mayan city of Tulum very popular among tourists.

The Big City of Ancient Maya, who served as a house for 50 thousand inhabitants at the peak of their development, is located 90 kilometers east of Chichen-Itsi, about 40 km west of the Caribbean Sea and 44 kilometers northeast to Tulum. All directions today are interconnected by modern comfortable roads. Most facilities were built between 500 and 900 years. There are several high pyramids in the city. SAMI high pyramid El Castillo, relating to the group of buildings of Nochoch-Mul, reaches a height of 42 meters. To the top of the temple, where a small altar is located, which served as the place of sacrifice, lead 120 steps, according to which those who want to make ascend.

Ceremonial I. shopping center Maya Altun Ha is located 50 kilometers from the city of Belize. This area removed by only 10 kilometers from the Caribbean coast is known for its rich animal world. Typical inhabitants of local forests are battleships, tapir, aguities, foxes, thairs and white-tailed deer. In addition to impressive wildlife Altoon Ham is known for artifacts found here by archaeologists from. Among them, a huge jade sculpture depicting the head of the god of the sun Kinich Ahau. This finding is considered today the national property of Belize.

The major center of archaeological excavations Karakol is located 40 kilometers south of Shunantunich in Kayo district. Ruins extend at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level on the hara plateau. Karakol is currently known as one of the most important political centers of Maya civilization in the classical period. At one time, Karakol extended the square of more than 200 square kilometers. This is more territory of modern Belize - big City in the country. Even more surprisingly, the current number of residents of Belize is only half of their ancient predecessors.

Maja's stunning ruins are located on the banks of the Usumasinta River in the Southeast Mexican Chiapas state. Yashchilan was at one time a powerful city-state, and was a kind of competition with such cities as Palenk and Tikal. Yashchylan is known for the large number of well-preserved stone decorated elements of adorning door and window openings of the main temple. On them, as well as on various statues, there are hieroglyphic texts, telling about the ruling dynasty and the history of the city. The names of some rulers sounded threatening: the lunar skull and the Bird of Jaguar dominated Yashchilan in the fifth century.

In the Department of Isabal in the south-east of Guatemala there is a three-kilometer zone of archaeological excavations of Kirigua. In the classic period of development of the Mayan civilization, this ancient city was at the intersection of several important trading paths. An interesting attraction of this place is Acropolis, the construction of which began in 550. Kirigua Archaeological Park is known for high stone monuments. Given that the city is located on the site of the transform geological fault and in antiquity was susceptible to large earthquakes and floods, it is worth a visit to see the preserved monuments and evaluate the town-planning skills of the ancient Maya.

The archaeological monument of Maya Copan civilization is located in the western part of Honduras on the border with Guatemala. This regard small city Known by a series of well-preserved architectural artifacts. Some steles, sculptural decorations and bas-reliefs are among the best testimonies of the art of ancient mesoamer. Some stone structures Copan dates back to the 9th century BC. The highest temple reaches a height of 30 meters. The dawn of the settlement falls on the 5th century, at this time about 20 thousand inhabitants lived here.

Ruins Kakhal Peau are located near the city of San Ignacio in the Kayo area on the strategic elevation at the merger of the Makal and Mopan rivers. Most majest construction dates relate to the classic period, but existing evidence speaks of continuous accommodation in these places from 1200 to our era. The city is a concentration in a small territory of 34 stone structures located around the Central Acropolis. The highest temple is about 25 meters in height. Kakhal Peat, like many other cities, was abandoned in the 9th century of our era for unknown reasons.

This is only a small part of the huge historical and cultural heritage, which left behind a mysterious civilization. In total, more than 400 large in the northern region of Central America found archaeological monuments, and over 4,000 small, but no less interesting ancient settlements related to the peoples and cultures of the Mayan civilization that existed over 2500 years.

The classical period of Maya's civilization in the lowland forests of Central America is marked by the emergence of such innovations in the Mayan culture, like: hieroglyphic writing, which includes labels, steles, ceramics and frescoes, pendants; Mayan calendar, the so-called long account calendar, coming from 3113 to our era; Monumental architecture with a stepped arch; Specific style in ceramics and terracotta products; Original wall painting; Steli and altari.

Special Culture Maya., its maturity, manifests itself in architecture and fine art. Maya was erected by majestic structures of their roughly treated stone bonded by limestone solution, or from a special mixture of concrete, lined with a stone. The facades of the buildings were always framed by a rich terrain. A distinctive feature of the Maya architecture is a developed sense of proportion and a strict simplicity. Monumentality of buildings The architecture of the Indians skillfully emphasized the free space around them, roads, location of the square, streets and straight corners.

Maya Art, Central America Indians.

Based on these principles, many great cities, temples and palace complexes were erected. The architecture of the ancient cities Maya possessed a square layout, close internal space. Some, even major cities performed the Sanctuary feature. The Mayan city architecture in Central America up to the 9th century, our era was represented by pyramidal buildings and platforms of various sizes and heights. Some of them affect the imagination even today. They are usually constructed from a mixture of land and rubble and lined with treated stone plates. Buildings were often located on the stone vertices of the temples: small buildings consisting of several rooms of ceremonial destination.

An example of such an architecture is the pyramid tower in a tick, reaching a height of 60 meters. Residences Nobles, Palaces, are presented with multi-room ensembles on low platforms, framing open internal courtyards. The palace architecture of Maya is based on overlaps in the form of a stepped arch, so the walls are always massive, and the indoor indoors of the narrow and are unacceptable. The only source of light in the palace premises is narrow doorways. Inside the surviving temples, twilight and coolness usually reign.

Maya will not leave anyone indifferent. While the countries of Europe experienced "Dark Century", Indian culture developed and flourished. Exciting journey through the most famous cities And the sights and monuments of the ancient Maya are unlikely to seem boring to someone.

1. Chichen Itza

The ancient city of Maya is reading Iza in Mexico is striking by majestic and fascinating objects, this is one of the largest cities in highly developed ancient civilization. Here we intertwined and merged together the most incredible architectural styles, testifying to the diversity of the population of this city. If you decide to recover in Chichen Itza, be sure to visit the Holy Senot and the Temple of Warriors.

2. Tikal

Tikal in Guatemala today is considered the largest city of the ancient Maya, about 3,000 adultened objects have been found on its territory. Once in an ancient tick, you will feel yourself in a completely friend unfamiliar to the world. Perhaps it is not by chance that this place was chosen Mel Gibson for filming his sensational film "Apocalypse". Before you go to the tick, be sure to take care of the map and compass, the cards can be purchased right at the entrance. The most impressive objects of this amazing place are the ancient pyramids and the church of the two-headed snake.

3. Kakhat furnace

Kakhal Peat, Probably the most outstanding ancient city of Maya The territory of the Little State Belize. Kakhal Pain is located in a very curious place: a high hill in which the city is located, looks directly into two large Belisian cities, Santa Elena and San Ignacio. The destroyed Maja city today has a little more than thirty objects, but nature and the atmosphere of this place, spreading into two acres, is worthy of seeing and feel.

4. Altoon Ha.

Altoon Ha is one of the most famous ancient cities of Maya. A variety of plant and animal world here simply amazes. Before that, the place lost in the depths of Belisa is quite difficult to get, but what you see there will undoubtedly amaze you. Altoon Ha - the habitat area of \u200b\u200b250 species of birds, there in large basins built by the ancient Maya today there are huge crocodiles - it is worthy admiration. One of the brightest attractions of Altoon Ha is jade head. The head is the largest object carved by Maya from this stone, and symbolizes one of the Supreme Mayan deities Kinich Ahua or the Sun God.

5. Palenka

Palenka is a place that must be visited, being in Mexico. In dense wild jungle hides an ancient city, striking his fancy architecture and a mass of evidence of rich and interesting history Maya Indians. Palenka will not leave anyone indifferent, it is a unique location in the middle of the jungle and the fact that only 10% of this ancient city has been discovered, will undoubtedly cause the interest of lovers of history and travel. However, despite the fact that here scientists have to open a lot, in this amazing place it is necessary to look at the ancient buildings already available to our gaze, for example, the tomb of the supreme leader pacale, the temple of the deciduous Cross or the temple of the inscriptions.

6. Caucas or Cab

With its dimensions, this Mexican monument of an ancient civilization Maya is definitely not striking, but it is there that you can see one of the most amazing palaces built by the ancient Maya. In addition to a clearly traceable influence of the architectural style of a PUA, a distinctive feature of this place is its unique decoration - the vaults and surfaces of the walls are simply littered with numerous images and masks of the Mayan god of rain chuck. The palace of masks is another structures that affects its originality, reflecting a high level of development of the civilization of the ancient Maya.

7. Ushmal

In a few miles from Kaba, there is an ushmal, one more attraction of the ancient Maya, where the unique architectural PUA is presented in all its glory. It is noteworthy that Caba and Ushmal are directly related to each other expensive on which the ritual processions marched. These roads were called Sacba. Architecture PUA - the true embodiment of a high level of development and unique artistic style Culture of the ancient Maya.

8. Lubaantun

Lubaantoon or the place of fallen stones is another place in Belize, which is worth visiting during the journey through Central America. An intricate architecture of this ancient ceremonial center is strikingly different from other ancient Mayan monuments in Belize. Here the inquisitive traveler will be interested in a lot, but the ancient pyramids deserve special attention. Unfortunately, their vertices were thoroughly injured on time and on this moment Practically destroyed, but true secret pyramids lies in the uniqueness of their design. The pyramids are stacked from stones that simply lie on the other, but at the same time preserve the structure of the structure and are not scattered, but in the construction of Maya neither cement mortar, nor any other fastening material.

9. Shonantunica

This historic attraction of Belize is known thanks to a curious story, with it related. It is said that a stone woman dressed here, having a ghost ghost, like a flame inhabited. Most often, this woman appears at the main building of Shonantunich, the infamous El Castillo, then, following the steps, it disappears behind the walls ancient build. In addition to the mystical appearance of a mysterious ghost, everyone can enjoy unforgettable views of the Mopan River or as they call it in Belize, Rio Mopan.

10. Karakol.

The ancient city of Maya Karakol in the wild jungle Belisa was discovered relatively recently, more precisely in 1938. However, at the moment it is the most large city Maya on the territory of Belize, where it is possible not only with mysterious architectural buildings, but also with rich collection Unique works of art of that era. It is definitely to archaeologists to do in Karakol many more interesting discoveries in Karakol, but now we have the opportunity to see there the biggest tomb, built by Maya. It was built only for one "resident", a kind of woman. Being in Karakol, be sure to visit Caan, one of the most sophisticated and interesting architectural complexes Southern regions of the Empire of Ancient Maya.