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El Perú — known as Waká in ancient times — is an archeological site containing ruins from the Maya civilization. It is located in El Petén department in northern Guatemala, 60 km to the west of Tikal. Known to have been inhabited from 500 BC to at least 800 AD, today the site was named "El Perú" when rediscovered in the 20th century; the ancient name was rediscovered when the Maya hieroglyphs were deciphered.
Previously thought to be a minor city in the Mayan world, Waká has recently emerged as a key pawn in the rivalry between the cities of Calakmul, to the north, and Tikal.
External links
- Archaeology Magazine's Interactive Waka' (http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/waka/)
- Recent announcements from Southern Methodist University Researchers (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/05/040506073833.htm)
- http://www.nature.com/news/2005/050606/full/050606-15.html