THE 5 MOST OUTSTANDING ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONES OF CAMPECHE - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The main archaeological zones of Campeche are Calakmul, Edzná, Becán, Xpujil and Balamkú. Campeche is one of the Mexican states that preserves a greater number of archaeological remains of Mayan origin.

The level of conservation of each of these areas is different, as was the development of each of the settlements during pre-Hispanic times.

The oldest ruins date from approximately 500 BC. Today, Mayan archeology is one of the main tourist attractions in the state.

You may also be interested in its main economic activities or the natural resources of Campeche.

The 5 main archaeological zones of Campeche

1- Calakmul

The Mayan archaeological site of Calakmul was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002. It is one of the oldest and largest known to date.

The ruins were discovered in the first third of the 20th century and even today it is believed that in the deepest areas of the jungle there are remains to be discovered.

There are gigantic pyramids over 20 meters high. Calakmul is believed to have been the nerve center of the Mayan civilization.

2- Edzná

It is the closest to the state capital, San Francisco de Campeche. It is estimated that Edzná arose around the year 200 AD. In the complex there is a museum in which dozens of stelae are exhibited.

The stelae are stone constructions, generally taller than they are wide, that served as panels or signs.

Figures or scenes representing explanatory motifs were carved on these. They were usually found at the entrance of pyramids and temples.

3- Becán

This is another of the oldest Mayan cities or spaces of which there is evidence in Campeche. Its construction dates back to 600 BC

As a peculiarity, it presents a moat that surrounds what was once the urban or population center.

There are different theories about its existence. One of the main ones indicates that it served as a physical separation between the inhabitants of the interior (upper class) and those of the exterior (lower class).

A second theory determines that it served as a defensive trench against external attacks.

4- Xpujil or Xpuchil

It is an area near Becán. Its main peculiarity is that the main pyramid has an unusual construction.

In this a third tower was erected that accompanies the two that were characteristic of these buildings, near the Bec river.

In the case of Xpujil, the Mayan ruins are very close to the modern city. This is another unusual feature: the ruins are usually found in the jungle, far from modern buildings.

5- Balamku

The Mayan name balamkú means "temple of the jaguar." This gives a clue about its nature and location, deep in the jungle of southern Campeche.

It was a zone of later Mayan development. It is estimated that it lived its peak between 500 and 650 BC

The Mayan architecture present in this area is characterized by the confluence of several different styles.

References

1. Calakmul: The impressive Capital of the Kingdom of the Serpent, in Mundo Maya, mundomaya.travel
2. Calakmul: the capital of the snakehead kingdom, in Buen Viaje: tourist newspaper, revistabuenviaje.com
3. 5 Capitals of the Mayan World in Campeche, Unknown Mexico, unknown Mexico.com.mx
4. Maya Experience, in Campeche Tourism, campeche.travel
5. Archaeological Sites in Campeche, at Turimexico.com, turimexico.com