Aguateca
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Aguateca is a Maya site located in western Guatemala's Petexbatun Basin. The first settlements at Aguateca date to the late Preclassic period (B.C. 300 - A.D. 350), and the city was sacked and abandoned in the early 9th century. The site is surrounded by a lagoon, and is usually accessed by boat. The ruins of Aguateca are considered to be among the best preserved in Guatemala.
[edit] Ancient Aguateca
Aguateca and the nearby city of Dos Pilas were the twin capitals of a powerful dynasty claiming descent from the rulers of Tikal. Aguateca sits on top of a 90 meter tall limestone bluff, creating a highly defensible position. There is an extensive system of defensive walls that surrounds the city. Around 700 A.D., Aguateca became a large, densly populated city, with a higher density of structures than most other lowland Maya sites. During the reign of Tan Te' K'inich the city was invaded and burned. The city was completely abandoned around 830 A.D. A 6 meter tall temple at the site was left unfinished, demonstrating the sudden abandonment of the city.
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