Tikal
Tikál, Guatemala

Tikal (Guatemala) - pre-Columbian Maya civilization city, temple, capital

Where is located Tikal?

Address of Tikal is San Andrés, Petén, Guatemala
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When was built Tikal?

Built date of Tikal is From 200 - 800.

Tikal

Facts, informations and history of Tikal

Tikal, also known as Tikál, are the ruins of an ancient Mayan city, which are located in what is now Guatemala, in the department of Petén, in the commune of San Andrés. It is not only one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, but also a place full of secrets and fascinating stories about one of the most advanced pre-Columbian civilizations. Tikal, located northeast of Lake Petén Itzá, is a place that must be visited to understand the full richness and culture of the Maya.

 

Location and geographical importance

Tikal is located in northern Guatemala, in the heart of the Petén department. This strategic location, 30 kilometers north of Lake Petén Itzá, was of great importance for the development of the city. Thanks to the proximity of two rivers, the rulers of Tikal had control over both land and water trade routes, which contributed to the dynamic development of the city.

The city was also close to other important centers of Maya civilization, such as Uaxactún, located about 20 kilometers north of Tikal. This network of connections and mutual cultural influences made Tikal one of the most important centers of this ancient civilization.

 

History and development of the city

The first traces of settlement in Tikal date back to around 600 BC. Already in the 3rd century AD, the city began to develop as a key center of the Mayan civilization. The period of Tikal's greatest prosperity was between 300 and 900 AD, when the city was the largest and most important Mayan center.

Tikal developed under the influence of the Teotihuacán culture, which is visible in the architecture of the first pyramids built in the talud-tablero style. In the 6th century ADthe city experienced a crisis when in 562 CE his ruler was defeated and probably killed. For the next 130 years, Tikal built no dated monuments, which historians call the "Tikal hiatus".

Despite these difficulties, Tikal regained its power in the 7th and 8th centuries, becoming one of the most important centers of Maya civilization. At its peak, the city was inhabited by approximately 60,000 people, and the agricultural areas around the city were home to an additional 30,000 people.

 

Architecture and the most important buildings

Tikal is known for its monumental architecture, which still arouses admiration and respect to this day. The city center includes a huge square surrounded by temple pyramids on one side and fortresses on the other. The most impressive element of this complex is the Great Square, which covers approximately 2.5 km² and is surrounded by temples and the acropolis.

The urban complex included 16 temples and about 3,000 buildings where 10,000 to 45,000 people lived. All of these buildings were connected by white paved roads, called sac bes, which made it easy to get around the city. These buildings included palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, courtyards, terraces, manor houses and steam baths.

One of the most characteristic elements of Tikal's architecture are the step pyramids, each of which has stairs leading to chambers at the top. The largest of these pyramids, known as "Temple IV" or "Temple of the Two-Headed Serpent", is almost 65 meters high. At the top of one of the largest hills there is the Great Acropolis, which was a sacred place and the burial place of chiefs. Another important building is the 45-meter high Temple I, which also served religious functions and was a burial place.

 

Symbolism and meaning of the name

The name "Tikal" has several interpretations that reflect the richness of Mayan culture and traditions. According to American archaeologist William R. Coe, the name "Tikal" is traditional and has no specific meaning. The German explorer Teoberto Maler suggested that "Tikal" means "the place where the voices of spirits are heard." In the Mayan language, "ti" means "place" and "k'al" means "spirits".

Other interpretations of the name Tikalu are associated with glyphs depicting a tied bundle - the weight of the Gods, a symbol of time and the 20-year K'atun period, which was of great importance in the Mayan calendar. These glyphs also symbolize "mutul" - pinned up hair, which means "flower" in the Mayan language.

 

Culture and society of Tikal

The society of Tikal was organized in a hierarchical manner, with a royal dynasty at its head. Over the centuries, there have been 39 recorded rulers of Tikal who belonged to one dynasty. These rulers performed not only political but also religious functions, which emphasized their unique place in society.

The inhabitants of Tikal were mainly engaged in agriculture, growing corn, beans, pumpkins and other crops. Tikal was also an important trading center, enabling the exchange of goods with other Mayan cities and neighboring cultures. Artisans in Tikal created products from jade, obsidian and other precious materials that were highly valued throughout the region.

 

The Fall and Discovery of Tikal

Like many other Mayan cities, Tikal was abandoned in the 9th century. The last dated stele dates from 889, suggesting that the city ceased to exist as an important center of civilization at that time. The reasons for Tikal's decline are not entirely clear, but may include the depletion of natural resources, climate change, armed conflict, and social and political problems.

After centuries of oblivion, Tikal was rediscovered in the 19th century by European explorers. Thanks to their efforts, as well as subsequent archaeological works, today we can admire and understand the wealth and importance of this ancient city.

 

Tikal in pop culture

Tikal, with its majestic pyramids and mysterious ruins, has also become an inspiration for filmmakers. Tikal's most famous appearance in pop culture is the role of the rebel base in George Lucas's film "Star Wars: A New Hope" (1977). The scenes shot in Tikal showed its amazing, almost cosmic atmosphere, which fit perfectly into the futuristic world of Star Wars.

 

Tikal as a UNESCO heritage site

Tikal, as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, has received many distinctions and awards that emphasize its unique historical and cultural significance. In 1979, the archaeological site in Tikal, together with the surrounding national park, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This prestigious distinction highlights not only the archaeological value of Tikal, but also its importance as a unique ecosystem that includes tropical rainforests and rich fauna and flora.

Tikal is the only place in the world that has been recognized by UNESCO as both a national cultural and natural heritage. This double distinction highlights the uniqueness of Tikal and its importance for the heritage of humanity. This distinction proves how important it is to preserve and protect this place for future generations.

 

Summary

Tikal is a place that fascinates and inspires. These are not only the ruins of an ancient city, but also a living testimony of one of the most developed pre-Columbian civilizations. Walking along the white cobbled roads, admiring the monumental pyramids and immersing yourself in the history and culture of the Mayans, we can feel the spirit of this extraordinary place.

"There are bas-reliefs, pyramids, temples in this destroyed city, damp marble, voices, creeping interwoven vines, the sound of flapping wings, drops falling into the vast silent sea, everything causes a faster heartbeat, is breathtaking, exhausts itself in greenery above the huge roof of Peten." - Miguel Ángel Asturias

How many meters have Tikal?

Height of Tikal is 64.6 m (212 ft) - the highest pyramid

how many meters have TikalScale

Construction/building type

Building Tikal is of type City

Architectural style

Architectural style of Tikal is Pre-Columbian, Maya

The Pre-Columbian architectural style is characteristic of cultures and civilisations that existed in the Americas before the arrival of European colonisers. These include: Maya, Aztec, Inca or Teotihuacanos. This style is mainly characterised by the use of natural materials such as stone, clay and wood. Also common to these cultures was the use of calcite stones and bricks for the construction of buildings and tall pyramids, which served as places of worship and burial for rulers. ... czytaj więcej.

Other dimensions, parameters and frequently asked questions

Tikal

What area have Tikal?

Tikal have area of 16 km²

What material is the building made of?

Tikal is made of the following materials: Stone

Practical informations

Tikal

What is the cost of entry for Tikal?

Tickets for Tikal are available at the following prices and variants:

  • Entrance to the Tikal National Park:
  • Adults: 150 GTQ (about $20 USD).
  • Children under 12 years - free.
  • Admission to the sunrise: 250 GTQ.
  • Tickets purchased after 3pm are also valid the next day.

At what times is open Tikal?

Tikal is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:

  • Tikal National Park is open daily for visits from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Other names

The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. Tikál, Tical

Official website

The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is http://tikalpark.com

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Ewelina
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Ewelina
4 years ago
Barddzo chciałabym tam kiedyś pojechać :( Bardzo podobne do Chichen Itza, zastanawiam się które piękniejsze :)
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