|
Altun Ha - "Water of the Rock" :
The ruins of Altun Ha are located near Rockstone Pond Village
in the Belize District. The entrance to the ruins is approximately
one mile from Mile 32 of the Old Northern Highway. Although
there is no public transportation to the ruin, there are
several reputable travel and tour operators or tour guides
who can provide service to Altun Ha.
Altun Ha, the most extensively excavated ruin in Belize,
was a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period,
as well as a vital trade center that linked the Caribbean
shores with other Maya centers in the interior. The ruin
consists of two main plazas with some thirteen temple and
residential structures.
The "Jade Head", representing the Sun God, Kinich
Ahau, was the most significant find during Dr. David Pendergast's
excavations. At approximately six inches high and weighing
nine and three-quarter pounds, it is still to this day the
largest carved jade object in the whole May area..
|
