 Altun-ha is one of the several Mayan sites in Belize. In it's day the Mayan civilization had something like over 3 million people in just the area of Belize alone. Now, the population of Belize is somewhere closer to 300 000. The people make up a true Mosaic of cultures from the Central American roots to European influences and the African Garifuna communities.  .jpg)   The Mayan civilization was well-known for its human sacrifices in ceremonial rituals. According to our guide, Daniel, there is evidence that the population at Altun-ha did not have the same blood-lust as some other cities and cultural centres. Instead of human sacrifice, their offerings to the gods were made up of things such as scented plants and burned for the gods to smell. This had to have been quite a departure from the usual Mayan traditions.
  A few heads as relief in the side of the large altar temple
 |  As you can see from some of the mounds, Altun-ha is only partially uncovered. There are no immediate plans to work on any more of the site. Mayan History and Map of sites in Belize In the excavation of Altun-ha one of the most prized Mayan artifacts was found -- a jade head, only 6 inches high and weighing over 9 pounds.     One of the still uncovered temples. Along the top there is a corridor and some evidence of rooms. Below, a partially uncovered temple.     This future entrepreneur is Cameron. He was a local resident of the ruin site. First he asked if I would like to take a photo of his turtle. Then he asked me for a dollar. Later on I think his brother showed up holding two lizards. Give them a few years and they will be running the place, I bet. |
