ANCIENT BELIZE

ALTUN HA

Name Meaning: Rockstone Pond

Altun Ha, located on the Caribbean coast of Belize, was occupied between 200 BC and AD 900. In that time, thirteen structures were built around two plazas, forming an important ceremonial center in the region. Excavations at the site, beginning in the 1950s, suggests that there was a wealthy ruling class at Altun Ha that likely took advantage of coastal and inland trade routes. The name Altun Ha, meaning Rockstone Pond, comes from the large reservoir at the site, which likely held fresh water for the ancient Maya.

Altun Ha’s proximity to the Caribbean meant it had access to long trade routes and marine resources throughout its history. But there is evidence of western trade, with jade from the Guatemalan highlands and Pacific marine shells recovered from the coastal site. 

One of the most famous artifacts from Altun Ha is a carved jade head, likely of one of the Maya gods. This large jade head, weighing nearly 10 pounds, was recovered from a royal tomb at the site. The tomb was located at the Temple of Masonry Altars (Structure B4) and filled with more than 40 funerary items, including the jade head. This artifact is even displayed on modern Belizean currency, located in the top corner of all paper denominations. 

Structure B4 is also recognizable to modern day Belizeans and visitors as the temple featured on the label of Belikin Beer, the only beer produced in Belize. 

Citations: Heather McKillop, 2004 The Ancient Maya: New Perspectives. New York: WW Norton and Co.