welcome to the mayan ruins website .
canna summit courtyard jon ferrara
south acropolis str D16 & D4 drmucker
altar 13 plaza B 820 A.D, suraj
structures A2 and A3 elelicht
Structure A1 victor & erin gonzalez
ballcourt marker dennis jarvis
CARACOL
south acropolis structures D16 & D18 drmucker
structure B18 drewcifer
str A1 cache box caracol.org
south acropolis D16 (L) D4 (R) caracol.org
museum recreation dennis jarvis
ball court A j.makali bruton
residential complex david germain
structure A6 nichbelize
stela 5 drmucker
caana pyramid complex kenneth davan coles
structure A6 rear view dennis jarvis
structure A6 jon ferrara
structures B18 and B19 caana courty dennis jarvis
central complex caracol.org
structure A6 jonathan gerber
canna courtyard view to structure B5 elelicht
structure A3 axel waldman.
structure A6 nichbelize
structure A1 axel waldman.
structure B19 glyphic text and mask dennis jarvis
residential group dennis jarvis
caana pyramid dennis jarvis
structure B20 charlemange
structure B18 caana courtyard elelicht
ballcourt B sean hogan
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structure A2 jon ferrara
structure B19 Caana pyramid temple ryanacandee
residential group david germain
site map caracol.org
plaza B structure B5 victor & erin gonzalez
altar 23 Plaza B dennis jarvis
structure B5 jon ferrara
structure B5 mask jon ferrara
CARACOL-Cayo District, Belize
DISCRIPTION
Caracol (snail in Spanish) is an archaeological zone located in the western part of Belize within the Chiquibul Forestry Reserve. Its original Maya name has been identified as Ox witza’ or Place of Three Hills/Stones, and was an important city-state during the Classic Period (200-900 CE). It covered an area of about 55 sq miles/143 sq kms including its outlying regions, and had a combined population of around 140,000. The central core area is nearly 1 sq mile/3 sq kms, with a radius expanding out 6 miles/10 kms. Caracol, along with Calakmul and Tikal, was instrumental in forging the destinies of not only each other, but throughout the Peten region during the Classic Period.
The site was strategically situated on the trade routes between the Maya Southern Lowlands and the Caribbean. Over 37 miles/60 kms of sacbeob (white stone roads) have been discovered within the extensive site. There have been more than 56 stelae, altars and ballcourt markers recovered, many with readable glyphic information.
Caracol is located in a tropical rain forest at the base of the Maya Mountains, and is the largest archaeological zone in Belize. It is within the Caracol National Monument Reservation which is situated in the western part of the country about 5 miles/8 km from the Guatemalan border. Travel to the site can be made from Belize City or from the capital Belmopan.
From Belize City take the Western Highway to Belmopan. Continue west to Georgeville. From there take the road south to the village of Augustine. A free forestry permit is obtained here to enter the preserve. Continue onward about an hours drive from Augustine to the site.
HOURS: 9 A.M.-2 P.M.
ENTRANCE FEE: U.S. $7.50/BZD $15
GUIDES: Yes, inquire at visitor center
SERVICES: Visitor center and bathrooms only, bring food, beverage, and insect spray
ON-SITE MUSEUM: Yes
ACCOMODATIONS: None on-site
GPS: 16d 45’50”N, 89d 07’03”W
MISC: Check the highway security situation before visiting. It is a three-hour drive to the site.
HISTORY AND EXPLORATION
Caracol’s settlement history dates back at least to the Early Preclassic (1000-800 BCE) with monumental structures commencing in the Late Preclassic (300 BCE-250 CE). A Preclassic shrine dated to 100 BCE was located in front of Structure B34 of the Northeast Quadrangle. An uninterrupted series of 8 large Ajaw altars and their associated stelae have been identified as commemorating Katun Period Endings (20-year time frames) from 495 CE to 652 CE.
There has been sufficient glyphic information retrieved from the site to produce a history of some of its rulers and its associations with other sites. The geopolitics of this era were filled with intrigue, deception, shifting alliances, and warfare.
A dynasty was established by Te’ K’ab Chaak in 331 CE, possibly under the influence of Tikal, and continued into the ninth century. An important Teotihuacan-style burial was recovered from the Northwest Quadrangle dated to 300-350 CE, and may indicate a direct relationship with that site as well. There have been 15 kings identified, 11 having been named. The last king, Ruler XIII, is commemorated on Stela 10 dated to 859 CE.
Tikal’s king Wak Chan K’awiil oversaw the accession of Caracol king Yajaw Te’ K’inich II/Lord Water in 553 CE. Unknown events caused Tikal to launch a successful campaign in 556 CE, and defeated Caracol to bring it back under its control.
Tikal and Dzibanche/Calakmul were the two most powerful kingdoms in the Peten/Maya Lowlands, and were in a constant, bitter rivalry with each other.
Tikal suffered a total defeat by the Kaan kingdom, then located at Dzibanche, that was aided by Caracol in 9.6.8.4.2-7 Ik 0 Sip, April 29, 562 CE. This event is the first known “Star War” coinciding during an appearance of the planet Venus, and recorded as such on Altar 21. The victory resulted in the defeat and sacrifice of Tikal’s ruler Wak Chan K’awiil, resulting in a hiatus that lasted 130 years in which little new construction or written records are recorded at that site. Caracol and the notable site of Naranjo come under the overlordship of the Kanuu’l dynasty.
Yajaw Te’ K’inich II’s second son, Lord Kan II/ Tutum Yohl K’inich II, reigned for 40 years and is considered the sites most successful ruler. His mother is thought to be Lady Batz’ Ek’/ Ixtiwool Chan Ek’ Lem. He commenced a series of attacks starting in 626 CE. against the powerful city of Naranjo, culminating in its complete defeat in 632 CE as recorded on Naranjo Hieroglyphic Stairway 1.
The Hieroglyphic Stairway at Naranjo has an interesting history. It was previously thought that Lord Kan II had installed the stairway at Naranjo to humiliate them with his victory over that site. Current interpretations, however, indicate that the stairway was originally placed at the base of a structure at Caracol. After the crushing defeat of Caracol at the hands of Naranjo and its allies in 680 CE, the stairway was divided up by the victors, and removed to Naranjo, Xunantunich and Ucanal.
The crushing defeat of Caracol ruler Kʼahkʼ Ujol in 680 CE by Naranjo results in an epigraphic hiatus at Caracol that lasts nearly 100 years. Caracol’s influence in the Peten weakens with the reemergence of Tikal, its defeat by Naranjo, and competition with the rising kingdoms of Dos Pilas, and most likely Xunantunich.
K’inich Joy K’awiil somewhat revives the dynasty after his accession in c.799 CE. He constructs Ball Court B, and commissions Altar 23. Altar 23’s text includes statements of his lineage, and capture of “Divine Lords” of Ucanal and B’ital.
Caracol held on through the next hundred years in a reduced role, yet still a vibrant city. The last recorded monument at Caracol, Stela 10, is dated 10.1.10.0.0. Jan 22, 859 CE. By the early part of the tenth century Caracol experiences the same collapse as found at many other sites. Some areas of the site remained inhabited, but was finally abandoned by the middle of the 11th century.
Caracol was first reported on in 1938 by mahogany logger Rosa Mai. Investigations were carried out by the British Honduras archaeological commissioner A. Hamilton Anderson the following year, and again in 1956-58. Linton Satterthwaite of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology undertook investigations between 1950-53. The site is currently under the direction of Jamie Awe of the Belize Institute of Archaeology, with ongoing investigations and excavations conducted by Dr. Arlen Chase and Dr. Diane Chase of the Caracol Archeological Project which began in 1985. Their diligent, and well documented investigations have brought this once great city back to life.
STRUCTURES
The earliest structures at Caracol date from the Late Preclassic. These consist of a number of platforms with temples, and an “E Group” which is a complex with astronomical associations. The site reached its peak in the Early to mid-Classic Period (250-700 CE.). There are five plaza groups containing 32 main structures, with sacbeob (white stone roads) leading to outlying residential and agricultural areas from the core center. There are two reservoirs and one seasonal aguada that provided water for the population. The site axis orientation is about 11 degrees east of North.
Group A is located within the western portion of the core area. There are several structures surrounding a small plaza, Plaza A, two of them forming an E Complex. The plaza incorporates a number of stelae and altars.
The E Complex consists of two main structures, Structures A2 and A6. A pyramidal structure, Structure A2 is located on the west side of the plaza, and has a height of about 82 feet/25 meters. It has a central stairway that extended up to the summit, and is flanked by two smaller stairways. Two stelae, Stela 22 and 23, were located upon the summit along with Altar 17.
Stela 22 was dedicated on 9.10.0.0.0 1 Ajaw 8 Kayab-January 25, 633 CE, and contains the longest glyphic text in Belize. The dedication date records a ritual event with Kan II and a ruler from La Corona. It also includes an “arrival” date of Lady B’atz' Ek' to Caracol on 9.9.9.10.5, that apparently cemented relations between the two sites. This alliance apparently led to their combined defeat of Naranjo, which is mentioned later in the text.
Across from Structure A2 on the east side of the plaza is a five-structure complex, Structure A6. This complex is on a north/south alignment with the central temple structure much larger than the adjoining structures that are found at either ends. An observer atop the pyramid/temple on the west side of the plaza would observe the Sun at or near the equinox sunrise over the central temple structure on the east side of the plaza, while the sun would rise on the solstices above a temple from either of the adjoining structures depending on the time of year. The E Complex arrangement was first identified at the site of Uaxactun.
The current Structure A6, Temple of the Wooden Lintel, had its origins in the Late Preclassic and was built over the original E Complex structure. It is set on a low platform rising up 3 levels to a broad terrace. The central temple then rises up an additional three levels exhibiting a single entryway into its multiple chambers. An interior entryway is roofed by a number of wooden beams that give the complex its name. An important cache was discovered within Structure A6 consisting of a stone vessel. Inside the vessel was a jadeite mask, pieces of malachite, spondylus shells, and jadeite beads all wrapped in a small cloth bundle. What is of special note here is that the cloth bundle was placed upon a pool of mercury within the vessel. It has been dated to c.70 CE.
At the back of the platform terrace are two structures, one on each side of the central temple, with terrace facing stairways and the remains of chamber walls. On the east side of these two structures are additional stairways that lead down to a plaza that faces across to the Central Acropolis.
Secondary temple structures appear in front of the rear temples. The north structure has a stairway that faces in towards the central temple. The south structure has a stairway that faces south away from the central temple. Ruined masonry chambers are evident.
Structure A3 forms the north side of Plaza A. This is a five-tiered pyramid with a central stairway. The summit contains the remains of a temple structure having three entrances into a single chamber. An additional chamber is located to the back of the main chamber. Large masks adorn the lower stairway. A tomb with a capstone displaying a date of 696 CE was located within the building. A circular altar is located in the center of the plaza.
Structure A1 is a mostly restored pyramid on the south side of the plaza. Stelae 1, 13-16, and Altars 1 and 7 are associated with this structure. Stela 16 records a Katun Ending of ruler Kan II on 9.5.0.0.0, July 3, 534 CE. What is interesting to mention is that it also names a person from distant Copan, Lord Bahlam Nehn. What the significance and reason for his appearance here is not explained, though it could relate to a dynastic connection. It is to be noted that Stelae 1 and Altar 1 are located in a courtyard at the back of the structure, not in front of it as would be expected. Also, two caches containing jadeite items and large obsidian blades were found in addition to a large stucco sculpture of a seated dignitary, possibly a ruler.
To the southeast of Structure A1 is a ball court complex comprised of three structures, Structures A10- A12. The ball court, Structures A11 and A12, is set on a north/south axis about 8 degrees west of North, an uncommon orientation. Within the ballcourt is located Altar 21 which commemorates a Katun Ending in 633 CE. along with other historical events relating to the wars against Tikal and Naranjo.
Structure A10 is on the north side of the complex and is a temple-platform building. It has a height of around 21 feet/6.5 meters.
Structure A13 is just to the south of the Ball Court Complex. This structure is an elongated temple pyramid platform building set on a mostly North/South axis. Three stelae are positioned in front of the building, and may indicate it had an important civic and dynastic ritual use.
At the south end of the core area is the South Acropolis. It consists of a dozen or so structures built upon a very large platform base and dates to the Late Preclassic. It was a residential and funerary complex. The structures enclose a small plaza, and was entered through Structure D4. The main complex is built upon its own rectangular platform base on the south side of the plaza and houses three structures, D16-18. Within Structure D16 a royal burial was discovered that dates to c.480 CE. Structure D7 is a Temple platform situated on the east side of the plaza. An Early Classic tomb was discovered here. Several other burials were located within the other structures.
Group B is found at the north end of the central core area. The largest complexes are found here, as well as a second ball court, and are arranged about a plaza, Plaza B.
Caana, Sky Place, is an impressive pyramidal complex on the north side of the plaza that rises off of a massive platform base and reaches a height of around 140 feet/43.5 meters. It is the tallest Mayan structure at the site and in all of Belize. A broad central stairway rises up first to a series of linear chambers, and then proceeds upward to a second set of linear chambers that allowed restricted access into the summit courtyard. The summit courtyard houses three temple pyramids. They are set up in a standard triadic fashion; that is, the main temple is at the rear of the courtyard, in this case Structure B19, with the other two flanking temples, B18 and B20, facing each other onto the courtyard. These structures display the remains of stucco, and stone block masks.
Structure B19, Canna Temple, is the central and most important structure. A broad, central stairway rises up to the summit terrace. A parallel, two-chamber temple is located at the back of the terraceexhibiting three entryways.
Two shrines, each with a single entryway, flank the courtyard level of the stairway. A number of elite burials have been discovered within the shrines, as well as within the entire pyramidal structure. The most important is a tomb crypt that was painted in white stucco with a linear red line encircling it about halfway up the wall. At the rear of the tomb is a red panel displaying a number of glyphs containing a date of 634 CE. The occupant was a female interred with jade earrings and ceramic vessels, and may be that of Lady Batz’ Ek’, mother of Kan II. At the foot of the structure is an altar encased within a shrine, Altar 16, that commemorates the important Baktun ending date of 10.0.0.0.0, 7 Ajaw 18 Sip, March 13, 830 CE. The B19 Temple is flanked at the back corners by a small group of palace chambers.
Four tombs have been discovered within Structure B20 which is located on the east side of the courtyard. A painted text on the capstone of the most important tomb records a date of 537 CE, and is thought to be of a female due to spindle whorls associated with weaving found within the tomb. Ceramic vessels, jadeite ear spools, and obsidian blades were also recovered. A large, stylized witz monster mask at plaza level formed the entrance to the vaulted tomb. This pyramid temple is the smallest of the three. A broad stairway leads up to terrace platform. The pyramid then rises up five levels to a terrace at the summit. A smaller stairway then leads up from the terrace to the chamber.
Structure B18 is located on the west side of the courtyard. It rises up several levels from the courtyard with a central stairway that extends to the summit. The construction of this building is more in line with a palace configuration than a pyramidal temple construction. The summit houses four chambers, the center chambers being accessed by a central entryway. The other chambers are accessed from the side. A stucco frieze once graced the east façade of the structure.
On the summit courtyard level and again further down on the Canna pyramid base are two palace structures that run the length of the platform base. These each contain numerous chambers. The remains of several mural paintings have been discovered within some of the chambers. All told, there are over seventy chambers associated with this structure.
Sharing the lower Canna platform base on its east side is the Northeast Quadrangle/Acropolis and the Barrio complex, two palace compounds set on a shared platform base. The Northeast Quadrangle faces south onto a small plaza, and houses four constructions set around an interior courtyard. The Barrio complex is on the east side of the plaza. An interior courtyard is surrounded by three range-type buildings and a possible temple structure, Structures B23-26. An altar was located here that depicts a seated female within a moon sign representative of the moon goddess.
On the west and north sides of the lower Canna platform base is found the Northwestern Quadrangle/Acropolis. This group of range-type structures is set around courtyard, and may have been an elite palace compound.
The south side of Plaza B is anchored by Structure B5. This pyramidal structure, with flanking platforms, has a central plaza facing stairway that extends upward to its summit. Stuccoed earth monsters flank the central stairway, and appear to extend farther up the stairway as well. The platforms each have their own stairway that led to chambers at the back of a terrace. It is in a mostly restored condition, and exhibits two construction phases.
Ballcourt B, Structures B8 and B9, is situated in the northwest corner of the plaza, and is oriented on a North/South axis. The structures have been restored, though any upper chambers have long since collapsed. A ballcourt marker, BCM4, displays a date of 9.18.9.5.9-6 Muluk 2 Kayab, December 10, 799 CE, with glyphic text relating to the accession of K’inich Joy K’awiil. It was discovered in the center of the ballcourt.
On the east side of the plaza is the North Acropolis. This complex is built upon a raised platform and has its origins in the Preclassic. Several structures, Structures B27-29, were built and enlarged upon throughout the Classic Period (200-900 CE).
Altar 23 was recovered in front of Structure B28 in Plaza B, and has a Period Ending date of 800 CE. This large altar portrays two bound captives seated on a large stone, possibly Altar 23 itself. The text identifies one of the captives as Xub Chahk, lord of Ucanal/K’anwitznal, who had been previously captured by a ruler form Yaxha four years earlier. How he survived and ended up at Caracol is unclear, and illustrates the complex political dynamics that took place during the turn of the century.
Southwest of the B Group, and east of the A Group, is the Central Acropolis. Several structures are located here set upon a large, raised platform base, and form around an interior plaza.
Between Structure A13 and the South Acropolis is a large, rectangular reservoir. Another reservoir/aguada is located further to the east of the Central Acropolis.
There are several smaller groups within the core area that feature masonry structures set around small courtyards. Numerous sacbeob/causeways extend outward from the core area in all directions to residential and agricultural areas. Situated at the end of most of these sacbeob are administrative/ritual groups. Many of these groups contain complexes featuring pyramids, temples, and range-type masonry structures, along with altars and stelae. This would appear to indicate the high status of many of these residential enclaves.
updated March 2025
structure 19 tomb dennis jarvis
structure A6 rear view caracol .org
structure A3 jon ferrara
structure B20 mask sean hogan
Steven Mellard © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.