SIC describes engineered defenses: an artificial ditch cutting the promontory and an entrance defended by two gates ‘guarnecidas de obsidiana’.
Claim about Iximché · Stance: supporting
SIC states the approach/entry was defended by two obsidian-guarded gates and a man-made ditch separating the promontory from ravine to ravine.
Site
- Iximché Tecpán, Chimaltenango, Guatemala
Evidence for and against
- SIC describes defensive works: artificial ditch and entrance defended by obsidian-guarded gates
Other claims about Iximché
- Iximché is located in Tecpán, Chimaltenango, at about 2,260 m elevation, on/near the Ratzamut promontory with deep surrounding ravines.
- Guatemala’s Ministry of Culture (SIC) frames Iximché as a Postclásico Tardío city (1250–1524 CE) associated with the Kaqchikel kingdom.
- SIC reports Iximché covers ~15,570 m² with more than 170 structures, organized around six civic-ceremonial plaza groups (A–F) with temples, elongated platforms, and altars.
- SIC states Iximché held the distinction of the first Spanish-era capital for roughly 1524–1526 CE before being burned amid conflict.