Description of the attraction
Bekan is an ancient Mayan city. It is located in the central part of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico in the state of Campeche, in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula. In the district are the ruins of other ancient Mayan settlements Calakmul, Shpuhil, Balamku and Chikanna.
An artificial moat stretches along the entire perimeter of Bekan for 25 hectares, by the way, the name of the city is translated as “moat formed by water”. This is one of the most interesting complexes located on the territory of the so-called state of Rio Bec.
According to scientists, the first stone was laid here in 550 BC, and several centuries later, Bekan turned into a major regional center. During the excavations, many artifacts of the ancient civilization were found, from weapons to jewelry. From 830 AD, the city's population began to decline, and in 1200 it was finally abandoned.
The city dominated the surrounding settlements as it was one of the largest Mayan settlements. The main part of the city could be reached by passing through a tunnel about 50 meters long. In the north of Bekan there is its main part, which is a fortress. From there, according to scientists, the inhabitants could defend themselves in the event of a siege. The main outlines of buildings and canals, through which seven bridges were thrown, can be seen today.
Only half of the city is accessible to tourists. In the second half of it, research and restoration work is underway.
