Thayasal - the ancient city of true freedom (7 photos)

In an effort to preserve freedom and independence, people are ready to much. But not everyone can give up their lives to save these greatest values.





The Maya civilization is a separate phenomenon in culture. About her many books have been written. Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador and Honduras, excavations continue, and the finds allow more learn about ancient Mayan cities.



Approximate location

Against their background, Tayasal (the territory modern Guatemala). The island city was located on the Peten Itza River, and Flores is now built on this site.

Thayasal is notable for the fact that its inhabitants categorically wanted to surrender to the Spaniards when they launched a campaign to take Mexico in 1519.





Modern Flores

Hernan Cortes - the conqueror of Mexico was enough prudent to bypass the city due to its difficult location. But his followers years later began to attempt to capture him. Zealous played, because the main part of Mexico had already been conquered. And here some pathetic town.



Hernan Cortes

But the inhabitants fought like animals. And even declared for their heads the reward didn't help much. The city fell only in 1697 after cannon fire, which ended in an assault. Many residents fled. The Spaniards managed to find the leader and his son. Until the end of their days they stayed in imprisonment for the edification of others. Many Maya died during the attack. Others passed away over the next few years from diseases brought by the Spaniards. And the Maya had no immunity to. As a result, hardly 1/10 of the 60,000th population remained.

Excavations and their results



Mayan city reconstruction

Excavations are currently underway in Flores. Thayasala. There are already quite a few ancient buildings on the surface. Archaeologists discovered the acropolis, which served as the residence of the leaders, a well and ceramic products. Find here and the bullets that helped "civilized" Europeans to capture unreasonable "savages".



Remains of the building at the excavation site

The Guatemalan authorities believe that there is every chance of turning excavation sites in a cultural and historical monument, which will help better understand the Mayan culture and feel the spirit of its last island freedom.



Ceramic snake found during excavations