Takalik Abaj

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Drawing of Stela 2 from Tak'alik A'baj

Stela 5 from Takal'ik Ab'aj. Note the two Long Count dates.

Tak'alik A'baj' is an pre-Columbian archaeological site, formerly known as Abaj Takalik.^[1] It is one of several Mesoamerican sites with both Olmec and Maya civilization features. The site flourished in the Pre-Classic era, from the 8th century BC through the 9th century CE, and was an important commerce centre, trading with Kaminal Juyú and with Chocolá.

The site is located in El Asintal,in the Retalhuleu Department of Guatemala, some 120 miles (190 km) from Guatemala City. The name means "Standing Stones" in the local K'iche' (Quiché) Maya language; the ancient name of the site is as yet unknown.

The core of the site covers about 6.5 square kilometers, with remains of some 82 monumental structures around a dozen plazas. It has 2 ball courts and over 282 stone monuments known to date, including impressive stelae and altars. The materials used are granite stones much different from the soft limestone used in the Petén cities, in Olmec and archaic Maya styles.^[2]. The site is also noted for its hydraulic systems, including a temazcal or sauna bath with a subterranean drainage, and Pre-Classic tombs recently found there by Drs. Marion Popenoe de Hatch, Christa Schieber de Lavarreda and Mario Orrego, from the Universidad Del Valle in Guatemala.

[edit] Notes

^ "Tak'alik A'baj" has often been listed as "Abaj Takalik", which is grammatically incorrect in Quiché; the more correct "Tak'alik A'baj'" is the official name according to the Government of Guatemala.
^ Tarpy.