Located
on private land three kilometres east of San Antonio, Pacbitun
is one of the oldest pre-classical sites. It was not studied until 1971 though the local farmers
knew of its existence for generations.
The
site was first of all occupied around 1000 B.C. The site flourished in the Late Pre-classic and Late Classic. It is believed that Pacbitun had some trade with
Teotihuacan during the early classic due to the discovery
of green obsidian on the site.
Pacbitun
sits among hills that the Maya terraced long ago. Once a major ceremonial center, Pacbitun covers 75
acres with the center about .5 miles long. At the site there are about 25 temple pyramids. The tallest is about 16.5 meters. A ball court, causeways, elite residencies, and 8
carved and uncarved stelae are present. There is also an unusual irrigation system that is raised above the ground. Also at the site some rare Mayan musical instruments
were discovered.
Pacbitun
was not registered with the Department of Archaeology until
1971. The Trent
University was the first to carry out excavations in the 80s. In 1986 and 1987 some of the structure were consolidated
and reconstructed.
The
site is situated about 7.5 km east of the Macal River and three
kilometres east of San Antonio. Pacbitun is about a 30-minute drive up from Santa Elena
on the Cristo Rey. The
land is privately own so it is suggested that you contact a
Mr. Tuzal before entering the site. |