Topoxte facts for kids
Topoxte (Spanish: Topoxté) was an ancient city built by the Maya people. It was an important archaeological site in northern Guatemala. Topoxte was the capital city of a group of Maya called the Ko’woj. You can find Topoxte on an island in Yaxha Lake, right across from another big Maya center named Yaxha.
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Discovering Topoxte
Topoxte was a special place for the Maya. It was a city built on islands in a lake. This made it unique compared to many other Maya cities. Archaeologists, who are like history detectives, have studied Topoxte to learn about the people who lived there long ago.
Where Was Topoxte Located?
Topoxte is found in the Petén region of northern Guatemala. This area was once home to many powerful Maya cities. Being on an island in Yaxha Lake gave Topoxte natural protection. It also connected the city to other places by water.
Life in Ancient Topoxte
The people of Topoxte were part of the Ko’woj Maya group. They built impressive structures, including temples and palaces. These buildings show how skilled the Maya were at architecture and engineering. Life in Topoxte likely involved farming, trading, and religious ceremonies. The city was a center for its people, where leaders made decisions and important events happened.
What Can We See Today?
When you visit Topoxte, you can still see the remains of ancient buildings. These include tall pyramids and plazas where people gathered. These ruins help us imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. They tell us stories about the Ko’woj Maya and their culture.
Images for kids
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Building C on Topoxte Island.
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The location of Topoxté in relation to other Maya sites in the eastern Petén.
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Ceremonial architecture at Topoxte, Buildings E, D and C on the main plaza of the principal island.
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Plan of the ruins as published in 1908 by Teoberto Maler
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Maler's plan of Building C
See also
In Spanish: Topoxté para niños
