Witzna facts for kids
Witzna is an ancient Maya city. It is an archaeological site located in northern Guatemala. This area is known as the Petén Basin. Ancient writings found at the site show its original name. The Maya called it Bahlam Jol. People lived here mostly during the Classic period. This was a time when the Maya civilization was very strong. Witzna is found near the Holmul and Ixcán rivers. It is also close to another site called Chanchich II.
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Exploring the City
The main part of Witzna is called the "Acropolis." This area has several important buildings.
Grand Palaces and Temples
The Acropolis includes many palaces. Two of these palaces were even two stories high. There are also stepped-pyramid temples. These were likely used for religious ceremonies.
Ballcourt and Pathways
A special ballcourt is also part of the Acropolis. The Maya played a game here. A raised stone pathway, called a sacbe, connects the Acropolis. This pathway leads to the "Sculptures Complex" to the west.
Stone Monuments
At Witzna, archaeologists found three large stone slabs. These are called stelae. They also found two altars. These monuments often have carvings. They tell stories about the city's rulers and history. The main living area for people was on the eastern side of the city.
A City's Fiery Past
Archaeological finds show a big fire destroyed much of Witzna. This happened around the end of the 600s CE.
The Attack from Naranjo
This fire matches a story from a nearby city called Naranjo. Writings there describe Naranjo burning a city named Bahlam Jol. This event happened on May 21, 697 CE. Bahlam Jol was a city that had rebelled against Naranjo.
Life After the Fire
The fire caused a big drop in Witzna's population. Many people were likely taken as prisoners. The city was rebuilt in the early 700s CE. However, it was not as grand or as populated as before. The royal family of Bahlam Jol continued to rule for about 100 more years. People also continued farming around the city for several centuries after the fire.
