Investigate Describe the buildings in Tikal. What aspects of the city stand out? Look for Tikal on Google Maps and activate the satellite view. What is the surrounding vegetation like? What is the climate like in this part of the Americas? Why were the reservoirs necessary? Find out about the ball games and their symbolism. DISCUSS Find information about Tikal's decline. Which reason do you think is most likely? HERITAGE Tikal was declared a World Heritage Site in 1979. What does having this status mean? E X P L O R E Tikal, the magnificent Mayan city Tikal was founded in around 800 BC, in the middle of the rainforest, in present-day Guatemala . It was one of the main Mayan cities and one of the most spectacular. It was home to around 60,000 inhabitants at its peak. (28) In the 9th centur y AD, the Mayan centre of power moved north , and Tikal and other cities in the region became less important. This was the beginning of Tikal 's decline. The city had palaces for the rulers and nobility. There were also centres for astronomy, temples connected by walkways that linked all the different parts of the city, and squares, which ser ved as meeting places. The temples were ver y tall . They were pyramid-shaped and had stepped terraces. (29) A wide central staircase led to the top. In many temples, tombs have been found with objects made of materials such as pearls, jade and shells. People also played ball games in Tikal . In these areas competitions with religious significance were held . There were also blocks of basic huts for the peasantr y. Tikal had a hydraulic system that supplied water to its inhabitants. In the rainy months, rain fell into reser voirs or pools, which were depressions in the land built to collect water. Then , the water was purified using sand filters, before being distributed around the city. 27. Jade mask found in Tikal 28. Recreation of the central area of Tikal B A 140
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