- Address: Indian Creek, Belize;
- It was erected: from the 5th to the 8th century AD;
- Working hours: every day from 8:00 to 17:00.
In Belize, there is an important archaeological monument left from the unique Mayan civilization - Nim-Li-Punit. It is in the district of Toledo, 40 km north of the city of Punta Gorda. The name from the Maya language is translated as "big hat". This is due to one of the images of the headdress on one of the stelae. This unique historical sight is sought by tourists from many countries.
Nim-Li-Punit - description
The city flourished in the period from the 5th to the 8th century, this time is called classical. The population of Nim-Li-Puni was 5-7 thousand people. To date, only a few buildings have remained from the city, which are grouped around three squares. The height of the highest pyramid is 12.2 m. In these places, scientists found stelae with images of rulers, some of them were not even finished.
The city was discovered in March 1976, from which time excavations were actively conducted. Archaeological research continues to this day, as a result of their conduct, it was possible to find the royal burials. Since the discovery of the scientist came across only stele with hieroglyphs, as well as their fragments. Nevertheless, it was possible to prove that Nim-Li-Punit was the capital of the kingdom of Wakam. His heyday came in the late classical period, from 721 to 830.
The discoveries that are being made by archaeologists now will make it possible to more clearly imagine the history of the kingdom. Of the surviving structures, "Number 7" stands out, which, according to the scientists, was the royal palace. It was in it that a tomb dating from 400 BC was discovered. It is interesting that there were numerous ceramic vessels, not related to the Maya culture, but originating from the great neighboring city of Teotihuacan, located in Central Mexico.
Continuing the excavation, archaeologists found the second tomb of a later period. There were jadeite pendants used by the Maya in ritual bloodlettings. Some of them have inscriptions, thanks to which scientists were able to learn more about the life of the kings of the disappeared civilization.
Useful information for tourists
To see firsthand the ruins of the ancient city of Nim-Li-Punita, one must climb to the top of a hill of natural origin. Climb to the top of the hill to be along a steep dirt road, surrounded by tall trees with chondovymi palms.
It is interesting to see and photograph the Square of Stela, on which are located 26 archaeological sites. The four best of them are set next to the visitor center. An astronomical calendar was made on the Stella Square. If you reach the western hill of the square, then the three stones lying in front of the eastern hill will indicate at dawn the days of the equinox and solstice. One of the stelae reaches 11 m high, and the other is depicted an Indian ruler during the ritual.
But the greatest interest among tourists appears when visiting the southern part of the ancient city. Here are the royal tombs, in them archaeologists have discovered human remains, ornaments, clay vessels and offerings.
Professional guides tell in detail about the ancient city, its history and how the inhabitants left it in about 800 BC. To the center visitors can drive up and by car - parking here is available. Stands and artifacts discovered during the excavations are exhibited in two large centers. Here, tourists can learn about the habits, customs of the Maya.
In addition to its archaeological value, Nim-Li-Punit attracts tourists with the beauty of the places. On a clear day, the hill offers a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea. Well-groomed trees with sprawling branches make the place ideal for a picnic. Tourists are also offered to walk on three different trails: eastern, southern and western. Each route passes by interesting structures, beautiful landscapes.
How to get there?
Nym-Li-Punit is located 5 km north of the Southern route, which is regularly run by buses from the nearest cities. Orientations for travelers are the villages of the Indian and Golden Creek, the ancient city is located next to them.