Temple Mound At Cerros Ancient Maya City
Cerros is a Spanish word for “Hills”. This is reflective of the flat Northern zone of Belize that doesn’t rise too high above sea level. Cerros, the ancient Maya site, however, was a place of hills. The Maya built pyramids and acropolis’ within the site. It also boasts 2 ball courts.
Masked Temple At Cerros, Northern Belize
One of the most awesome things about this little site is that it site on the water – on the Chetumal Bay to be exact which is the name of the Mexican City across from Crozal where the site sits. This Bay is on the northernmost peninsula of the country of Belize and at one time the area was one rich with trade as it sat immediately upfront of the trade-by-sea route. The city, on its southern side, had a crescent shaped canal that went through a large art of the city. This kind of architecture is not found in many parts of the Maya area.
The Hero Twin Mask (5C-2nd) At Cerros, Northern Belize
Cerros had a small population. Just over 1,000 people lived there. One absolutely important archaeological element of this site is that at 50BC there is evidence that for the first time at this site kingship was organized and implemented. Dr. David Friedel and Dr. Linda Scheme, both big names in Maya archaeology did work on the site and they found out this element of organization.
The Masked Temple (5C-2nd) Next To The Sea At Cerros, Northern Belize
The way the city was organized with the art pieces in the buildings managed to depict sky and underworld, the realms of 13 gods and 9 gods respectively, shows that the management of the site was complete with worldview and spirituality structures. The belief system was strong and the organization and management of the city was well put together.
This is an option of the Maya area everyone should consider to visit while in Belize.
Lets go!