Tikal developed from a small “watering hole” into one of the biggest and most powerful Maya cities of Mesoamerica.

The city is known for its monumental architecture including the huge temple of El Castillo adorned ... are often represented in Classic Maya art, and because subterranean structures were viewed ...

The city’s art and architecture show a blend of Maya and Toltec influences ... referred to it as the “Temple of K’uk’ulcan,” the name of the legendary ruler of the city as well as ...

The site is built to give the illusion of a serpent crawling down the side of the temple (Picture ... are often represented in Classic Maya art, and because subterranean structures were viewed ...