Mixco Viejo
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Mixco Viejo is an archaeological site in the north east of the Chimaltenango district of Guatemala, some 50 km to the north of Guatemala City. It is a moderate sized ruined city of the Post-Classic Era Maya civilization.
Mixco was the capital of the Pocomam Maya kingdom, and was sometimes known as Pocomam and Saqik'ajol Nimakaqapek in addition to Mixco.
The site was founded on a defensive location mountain top in the 12th century. The peak population in the early 16th century may have been around 10,000 people. It was conquered by Spanish Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1525 after a siege of more than 3 months. The Conquistadores then had the city burnt and depopulated.
The ruins have the remains of over 120 major structures, including temples, palaces, and courts for playing the Mesoamerican ballgame.
Archeological excavations were carried out from 1954 through 1967 by the Museo d'Homme of Paris under the direction of archaeologist Henri Lehmann.
The site is open to tourist visits and has a small museum. The site's architectural remains are less impressive than many larger Maya sites, but the dramatic mountaintop location with scenic views are enjoyed by many visitors.
External links
- Mixco Viejo on mayanearth.com (http://mayanearth.com/mixcoviejo/) text in Spanish, many good photos. (Incorrectly states the ruins location as in Sacatepéquez Department.)