Mayan Ruins

Saturday we decided to do the tourist thing and visit a couple of the lesser known ruins in Southern Belize. I know so many of you are interrested in the ruins so I thought I'd share some of my pictures today. These two ruins were Nim Li Put and Labaantun (I think the spelling is correct etc. but I'm not sure). They were inhabited for about 200 tears starting around 700AD. The first, NLP (for short), was a centre of religious worship and ceremonial activities. The second, L (for short), was an economic and business centre. They are both in the southern mountains of Belize at the top of separate 'mountains' (another time we'll get into the definition of 'mountain' in Belize) We had no guide and the signage was pretty sparse so I don't have a lot of details but I'll share what I know. Now, keep in mind, that these two ruins haven't been set up for tourists really and aren't as well restored as some of the others in Belize.

This picture doesn't really do it justice but this is the view from the first ruins (NPL).

This is a plaza at NPL.

These are tombs. In one of them they discovered 5 members of the royal family were buried along with urns of treasure, of course.

Here is the plaza of the stellae. The stellae are large pieces of stone carved with stories or events or important people of the time. Some of the largest and best preserved are found here.

More of the stellae.

Here is Alfred preparing to use Kori's head for a ball on the ball court. Heads were a preferred form of ball for the ancient Maya.

These are the second ruins we went to. There was more to see in the form of rocks but not as well preserved.

Well, Kori is begging for the computer and the internet is really slow so each picture is taking me forever. I hope your appetite has been whetted and that you will want to see more. Maybe come for a visit.