Takalik Abaj
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Tak'alik A'baj' is an pre-Columbian archaeological site, formerly known as Abaj Takalik.[1] It is the only known Mesoamerican site with both Olmec and Maya civilization features. The site flourished in the Pre-Classic era, from the 8th century BC through the 9th century CE, and was an important commerce centre, trading with Kaminal Juyú and with Chocolá.
The site is located in El Asintal,in the Retalhuleu Department of Guatemala, some 120 miles (190 km) from Guatemala City. The name means "Standing Stones" in the local K'iche' (Quiché) Maya language; the ancient name of the site is as yet unknown.
The core of the site covers about 6.5 square kilometers, with remains of some 82 monumental structures around a dozen plazas. It has 2 ball courts and over 282 stone monuments known to date, including impressive stelae and altars. The materials used are granite stones much different from the soft limestone used in the Petén cities, in Olmec and archaic Maya styles.[2]. The site is also noted for its hydraulic systems, including a Temazcal or sauna bath with a subterranean drainage, and Pre-Classic tombs recently found there by Drs. Marion Popenoe de Hatch, Barbara Schieber and Mario Orrego, from the Universidad Del Valle in Guatemala.
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[edit] References
- Tarpy, Cliff (2004) "Place of the Standing Stones", in National Geographic, May 2004.
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