Tikal is an ancient Mayan city located in the dense jungles of northern Guatemala. It was one of the largest and most important Mayan urban centers, serving as a political, economic, and cultural hub during the height of Mayan civilization.
The history of Tikal dates back to the Preclassic Period (c. 600 BCE – 250 CE), but it reached its peak during the Classic Period (c. 250 – 900 CE). At its height, Tikal covered an area of approximately 16 square kilometers and was home to an estimated population of 50,000 to 100,000 inhabitants. It was a thriving city with monumental architecture, advanced agricultural practices, and a complex social and political organization.
Today, Tikal is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the most iconic and well-preserved archaeological sites in the Americas.
