The largest Maya site in Southern Belize, Lubaantun is well known for the unusual style of construction. All structures are made of limestone blocks with no visible mortar binding them together. The strength of each structure lies in every hand-cut grime, which was carefully measured and shaped to fit snuggle next to each neighboring block.
Lubaantun Has An Unusual Construction Style
Lubaantun is a late Classic ceremonial center dated to 700 to 900 AD. Over time, the ground on which it was built started to subsist and the mortarless blocks started to tumble. Thereafter, the site was given the name ‘Lubaantun,’ which means ‘place of the fallen rocks’ in the modern Maya language.
Eleven large structures tower above give main plazas and three ball courts. Unlike most of the other Maya ceremonial sites, the existing structures are solid and have no doorways. Another unique feature not found in other sites around the region is the rounded corners on the structures. Because no corbeled arches exist at the top of these structures, it is believed that perishable materials like wood and thatch were used to build superstructures on top of these pyramids.
Lubaantun is believed to have been an administrative, religious, political and commercial center, mainly used for occasional festivals, ball games and other sacred ceremonies. Although no stele was found there, the site is popular for its abundance of ceramic whistle figurines. A few burial tombs are also present.
Lubaantun Is Popular For The Crystal Skull
The famous but controversial crystal skull was supposedly discovered in 1926 by Anna Mitchell-Hedges, daughter of archeologist Frederick Mitchell-Hedges, during an expedition on her seventeenth birthday, this perfectly shaped human skull carved from an 8-inch cube of rock crystal is still possessed by Anna who lives in Canada. The origin of the crystal skull remains a mystery.
Lubaantun is located on a tall ridge above a valley cut by the Columbia River, about 1 ½ miles from the village of San Pedro Columbia. From the parking lot, a trail runs about 70 yards downhill on a clear path to a small bridge over a creek then continues another 40 yards uphill to the visitor center.
The small modern visitor center displays a collection of ceramic figurines, pottery, maps and other information. The caretakers are local experts on the site, having assisted with the excavation and restoration of the site. Ask them for a guided tour – a personal, pleasant and information two hour exploration of the site.
Visitors may wander freely about the site. The chance of finding yourself along among the ancient monuments is common. The serenity and ambiance is overwhelming. Massive stone structures are covered with bright green moss with protruding vines from the tiny crevices. Cool breezes rustle through the huge canopies of the tree tops, with birds and insects providing a natural music unique to tropical rainforests.
Visitors Can Tour The Lubaantun
With such context, there is no doubt that Lubaantun, along with Belize’s other archeological sites, with all their related legends, myths and unique contributions to scientific knowledge, are a must-see for either the casual visitor or the archeological aficionado. You are assured that a visit to any of their archeological parks will impress you with the amazing achievements of the Belizean’s ancient Maya predecessors.