Tikal is one of the largest Maya cities, probably with a population of
100,000 at its peak. It was settled rather late in the Classical Maya
period, as their influence extended from the highlands to the lowlands. It
flourished for many years, particularly once the settlers learned how to
take advantage of the limestone surface on which it was built. Eventually
it fell in war to Caracol, a city to the east in present-day Belize. After
its decline, the ruins slowly were abandonded. They are mentioned in
Spanish accounts after the conquest, and were known by local people who used
some of the reservoirs and buildings left behind. Along with Copán,
this is one of the best-restored Maya sites after over a hundred years of
continual archeological work. It is home to several fantastic temples,
known for their height and steepness.
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Go to La Ruta Maya Photo Database Page