El Rey archaeological site facts for kids
El Rey is an amazing ancient site from the time before Columbus arrived in the Americas. It was built by the Maya people. You can find it in the sunny southeast of Mexico, right in the popular vacation spot of Cancun, in the state of Quintana Roo.
Contents
Where is El Rey?
The El Rey site is located on the beautiful Mexican coast, right by the Caribbean Sea. It's in the hotel area of Cancun island. This island is just outside the main city and is connected to the mainland by two bridges.
We don't know the original name of El Rey in the Maya language. In 1909, two travelers from England, Channing Arnold and Frederick Frost, visited the site. They found a sculpture of a person that looked like a king or a very important noble. That's why the site was named El Rey, which means "the king" in Spanish. The head of this special sculpture is now kept safe at the Archaeological Museum of Cancun.
A Look Back in Time: El Rey's History
El Rey was likely a busy place around 250 to 600 AD. This time is known as the early classical period. The first people who lived here built their homes on raised platforms. Sadly, the materials they used for their houses, like wood, have not lasted over hundreds of years.
Between 200 and 1200 AD, the people living at El Rey were skilled fishermen. They also worked hard to get salt from the sea. Salt was very important for preserving food and trading.
Later, between about 1300 and 1500 AD, El Rey became even more important. Many people moved here from deeper inside the Yucatan Peninsula. The stone buildings you can see at El Rey today were built during this later period.
El Rey was a key port along the Caribbean coast. It was part of a big network of trading routes by sea. Other important trading ports nearby included Xcaret, Xelha, Tulum, and Muyil.
After the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, the Maya people eventually left the site. El Rey became an abandoned place.
What Archaeologists Found
El Rey is the most important ancient site on Cancun island. It has 47 different buildings that were used for various purposes. Archaeologists, who are like history detectives, have found pieces of old wall paintings and drawings. These artworks date back to a time called the post-classical period.
In 1975, while digging at a temple, archaeologists made an exciting discovery. They found the burial site of a very important person. This person was buried with special items. These included a copper axe, a bracelet, and beautiful ornaments made from shells and bones. These finds help us learn more about the Maya people who lived here long ago.
Gallery
See also
In Spanish: El Rey (sitio arqueológico) para niños
