1,700-Year-Old Teotihuacan-Style Altar Unearthed in Maya City of Tikal

The discovery reveals extensive cultural exchange and influence between the Maya and Teotihuacan civilizations, reshaping views on ancient political and social dynamics.

Archaeologists uncovered a Teotihuacan-style altar within a Maya residence, Group 6D-XV, in Tikal National Park, Guatemala, dating back 1,700 years.
The altar’s design, featuring murals of the Teotihuacan Storm God, reflects distinct artistic traditions and diverges from Maya practices of deifying rulers.
Construction of the site occurred in two phases, from 300 to 400 A.D. and a later expansion from 400 to 450 A.D., showing sustained Teotihuacan influence.
Researchers suggest wealthy leaders from Teotihuacan likely brought their cultural and ritual practices to Tikal, leaving a significant imprint on the city.
The findings, announced by Guatemala’s Culture and Sports Ministry, provide fresh evidence of complex interactions, including potential cultural tensions, between the two civilizations.

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