Spanning all phases of ancient Maya civilization, the ruins at Lamanai are known for their stone reliefs, impressive architecture, and their marvelous setting that overlooks the New River Lagoon and is surrounded by some of Northern Belize's densest jungle. Arrive at this outpost by boat, allowing up-close observation of birds and wildlife along the New River. While on site, hear the roar of the howler monkeys while climbing the steep facade of the High Temple and admiring the deformed face of the Mask Temple.
Lamanai not only spans all phases of ancient Maya civilization but also tells a tale of ongoing Maya occupation and resistance for centuries after the Europeans arrived, equaling the longest known unbroken occupation in the Maya world. Lamanai was inhabited at least as early as 1500 BC, and was already a major ceremonial center, with large temples, in late Preclassic times. Its major buildings were mostly constructed between 200 BC to AD 700, although additions and changes went on up until at least the 15th century. At its peak it is estimated to have had a population of ~35,000.
When the Spanish invaded Northern Belize from the Yucatan in 1544, one of the most important of the missions they set up was Lamanai, where they had found a thriving Maya community. But the Maya never readily accepted Spanish overlordship, and a rebellion in 1640 left the Lamanai mission burned and deserted. Maya continued to live there until the late 17th and 18th century, where they were decimated by an epidermic, probably smallpox.
Gigantic trees around
Horse Balls
Temple of Jaguar
This temple, fronting a 100 yd-wide plaza, was built in the 6th century AD and modified several times up to at least the 15th century - a fine example of the longevity of the Lamanai settlement. The stone patterning on the lowest-level turns depicts two cleverly designed jaguar faces, dating from the initial 6th-century construction. On the opposite side of the plaza is a set of buildings that were used as residence for Lamanai's royal elite.
On of the smallest ball court in the Maya world - but with the largest ball-court marker found yet! A ceremonial vessel containing liquid mercury, probably from Guatemala, was found beneath the marker.
Stela 9
This temple was the original site of the intricately carved standing stone erected in AD 625 to commemorate the accession Lord Smoking Shell in AD 608, which is now on display in the site museum.
[photos downloaded from the web]
High Temple
Climbing to the top of the 125 ft High Temple to gaze out across the vast jungle canopy is an awe-inspiring experience that is not to be missed.
Few large buildings in he Maya world were built as early as this one, which was initially constructed around 1000 BC. All of us climbed to its summit for fabulous panoramas over the rest of Lamanai, the New River Lagoon, and plains and forest stretching out on all sides. This grand ceremonial temple was built from nothing on a site that had previously been residential, which indicated a dramatic surge in Lamanai's importance at the time.
A howler monkey
A child in my tour climbed on the trunk
Mask Temple
The Mask Temple was begun around 200 BC and was modified several times up to AD 1000. It has two 13 ft stylized masks of a man in a crocodile headdress emblazoned in its west face to the north and south to the main stairs. Dated from about AD 400, there are considered some of the finest big masks in the Maya world.
What we actually see are fibreglass replicas that have been crafted in front of the original limestone masks in order to protect them. Deep within the building archaeologists found the tombs of a man adorned with shell and jade jewelry, and a woman from almost the same date. The pair are thought to be a succession of leaders - perhaps a husband and a wife, or brother and sister.
This side was corrupted and could not be climbed
Another howler monkey
All national signs for Belize were shown
My lunch, shared/buffet styled lunch prepared by the guide
Lamanai Museum - exhibits some beautiful examples of pottery, and obsidian and jade jewelry
Typical Maya home
Construction of the dock was sponsored by the European Union
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