The town of Tikal started to exist in the 4th century BC. Its zenith occured between 200 and 900 AD, age after which it was deserted for mysterious reasons still unknown nowadays. During its wider expansion age, it had between 100.000 and 200.000 inhabitants.

The pyramid temples were built between 500 and 900 AD. They were used for some religious ceremonies like astronomical observations which were very elaborate.

Inside the pyramids, tombs were discovered ; they were containing skeletons surrounded by numerous jewels and other fabulous jade objects or also made with pearls, alabaster or ceramic. These objects can be seen today in museums, particularly in Tikal and in the capital : Guatemala City.

 

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