Lubaantun

There is a story at the ancient Maya City of Lubaantun that a young girl, Anna Mitchell Hedges found one of the most amazing finds in archaeology: a skull made of pure crystal. Impressive indeed, surely after all, nowhere sees in the Maya area has another of its type been found. So much lore and magic surround the idea of these artistic creations (there are a few more such skull that have been found around the world) that to the Maya archaeological experts, that find is still a phenomenon in the Maya area collection.

Plaza at Lubaantun. Picture Courtesy: The Belize Hub

This ancient city is the largest Maya site in Southern Belize (which, like most of the country is riddled with yet unearthed cities and parts of cities). “Fallen Stones” (as the name in translated in Kekchi) is the name given to the city for the deterioration of some of the buildings over time. Excavated and partially excavated are 5 plazas and 11 structures in the ceremonial center of the site. What truly makes this city different than most is that archaeologists did not find evidence that the rooms on top of any of the structures had corbeled arches – which means that the structures did not have stone roofs and more than likely had rooms made out of wood and thatch that deteriorated over time. Three ball courts also accompanied these structures and plazas.

This city is a classic period site dating between 700AD and 900AD according to archaeologist and thats truly unique about this city is the rounded corners of all the buildings, which is not found in many other cities unless the buildings are late classic and temples. Interestingly, the city was built without any lime mortar (lime stone burnt at 800 degrees Fahrenheit and turned into cement-like dust), the stones used to build the city were cut perfectly to fit in top of each other and attached to each other. Its incredible. Many figurines, and whistles the Maya used for celebrations were found at the site and no stelae that were the “newspapers” that made mention of deities, kings and ancestors. Perhaps the Maya never built any or perhaps they haven’t been found yet. Whatever the case, its an interesting place to visit. We recommend it!

Curious Building Design At Lubaantun, Southern Belize.

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