Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
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Archaeological Park and Ruins of Quirigua
Location
Izabal
Country
Guatemala
Year of Research
1981
Culture
Quiriguá is an ancient Maya archaeological site in the department of Izabal in south-eastern Guatemala.
It is a medium sized site along the lower Motagua River, with the ceremonial center about 1 km (0.62 mi) from the north bank of the river.
During the Maya Classic period (AD 200–900) Quiriguá was situated at the point where several important trading routes came together.
The site was occupied by 200, construction on the acropolis had begun by about 550 and an explosion of grander construction started in the 8th century.
All construction had halted by about 850, except for a brief period of reoccupation in the Early Postclassic (c.900–c.1200).
Quiriguá shares its architectural and sculptural styles with the nearby Classic Period city of Copán, with whose history it is closely entwined.