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Belize Belise and Guatemala Academic Group Student Travel,
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Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit, Toledo District, Belize Lubaantun; Mayan Archeological Site: The name Lubaantun means "place of fallen stones". This is an apt name for this site because of the dry masonry style of architecture found only in Southern Belize. The largest Maya archaeological site in the south, Lubaantun was one of the last major settlements built in Belize prior to the collapse of the Maya. This short lived Late Classic site was built and occupied from 730 AD to 890 AD. Temple walls were constructed of cut stone, fit without the use of mortar. The largest structure at Lubaantun rises 36 feet above the plaza floor. From the summit of this structure there is a beautiful view of the foothills of the Maya Mountains and the Toledo coastal plains. There are eleven major structures grouped around five main plazas and three ball courts. Lubaantun was first reported in 1903. Expeditions in 1915, 1926, and 1970 followed. A controversial Crystal Skull was found here in 1926. Come, Enjoy the mysteries of the Mayan Site Called “Lubaantun”. Nim Li Punit; Mayan Archeological Site Nim Li Punit, meaning "big hat" in Mayan, was only
discovered in 1976, and archaeological work did not begin at Nim Li Punit until
1983. Nim Li Punit is special for a number of reasons. First, the buildings are Hieroglyphic inscriptions are often found on the back and sides of stelae, while the front face is decorated in low relief with a single standing figure or a scene involving two or more figures. These carvings are now known to depict some aspect of the life of the ruler to whom the stela was constructed. A royal tomb was also discovered in 1986 which yielded 36 pottery vessels and many other artifacts. Just below the site, Mayan women from the nearby village of Indian Creek use the streams which flow along the site's borders to do their laundry, probably much as their ancestors did a thousand years before.
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constructed of dry masonry sandstone as opposed to the mortar and limestone used
in other areas. Second is the large number of stelae found at this site. Twenty
five stelae, eight of which are carved, were discovered here, and today thatched
roof structures protect these stelae from the elements. The site features the
tallest remaining carved stelae found to date in Belize. (Second-tallest in the
Mayan world). Carvings on the tallest stela show a person wearing a very large
headdress.
