Cahal Pech
San Ignacio, Cayo, Belize
Cahal Pech is a Maya archaeological site and archaeological reserve located in/near San Ignacio Town in Belize’s Cayo District. Belize’s National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) describes it as an important site that has yielded many Middle to Late Preclassic figurines and whose core features complex architecture including two ballcourts and restricted inner courtyards associated with elite residence; a nearby visitor centre houses artifacts from the site.
Claims about Cahal Pech
- NICH states Cahal Pech has yielded many Middle to Late Preclassic figurines representing human and animal forms.
- NICH describes the site core as complex architecture including two ballcourts and restricted inner courtyards associated with the residence of ancient Maya elites; a nearby visitor centre houses site artifacts.
- TravelBelize states Cahal Pech was first settled between 1200–1000 BCE and frames it as one of the oldest settlements in the lowland Maya world.
- TravelBelize states that by Late Preclassic times (300 BCE–250 CE) Cahal Pech had become an imposing Belize River Valley center and that its Preclassic inhabitants acquired exotic goods from the Caribbean coast and highland Guatemala.
Evidence
- NICH quick facts highlight Middle to Late Preclassic figurines (human and animal forms).
- NICH describes two ballcourts, restricted inner courtyards for elite residence, and a visitor centre with artifacts.
- TravelBelize states initial settlement between 1200–1000 BCE and describes the site as among the oldest lowland Maya settlements.
- TravelBelize frames Late Preclassic development (300 BCE–250 CE) and notes exotic goods links (Caribbean coast, highland Guatemala).
- Wikidata provides coordinate location (17°9'20"N, 89°3'40"W) and an elevation value (138 m, via GeoNames).
- NICH Institute of Archaeology mission statement provides institutional stewardship context for Belize archaeological reserves.