Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
kite-flying over a Kaminaljuyú temple mound
With the rise of Central Mexico's Teotihuacán in the 5th century, the Guatemalan high-
lands received a large influx ofinvaders from the north. Here the invaders established their
regional capital, constructing new temples and structures, and flourished with the control
of trade networks around highly prized obsidian and jade. It is thought that, along with
its powerful neighbor to the north, Kaminaljuyú exercised considerable influence over the
Peténlowlandsites,inparticularTikal.OneofTikal'srulers,CurlNose,mayactuallyhave
come from here in A.D. 387.
The site was first excavated in 1925 and yielded potsherds and clay figurines from the
early cultures. Its larger extent and importance were discovered in 1935 when a local foot-
ball team uncovered a buried structure after cutting away the edges of two inconspicuous
mounds to lengthen their practice field. Today the site is really no more than a series of
mounds. Though the site is in Zona 7 proper, the best place to see it is actually near the
Museo Miraflores in adjacent Zona 11, where you can tour the excellent museum and see
some temple mounds.
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