Sakuleu , Zaculeu (traditionally) or Saqulew (modern spelling in Quiche ) is an archaeological monument of Mayan culture in the highlands of modern Guatemala, not far from the city of Hueuetenango . It was the capital of the post-classical state of Mam, which arose on the ruins of the Mayan civilization.
| Ancient city | |
| Sakuleu | |
|---|---|
| Sac Zots | |
In Quiche, the name of the city is Sak-Tzotz ( Saq = "white" and Ch'och ' = "land", Zac Tz'otz ). The name Sac-Zoc is preserved in chronicles about the campaign of Pedro de Alvarado , who participated in the siege of the city.
The city was first inhabited in the 5th century BC. e. In the buildings of this era, the influence of Teotihuacan is noticeable. The largest buildings belong to the classical era, as well as several squares and building groups of the early and late post-classical eras. Sakuleu has been the Mayan ceremonial center (Mam community) from the time the Mam state existed to the present.
On the site of Sakuleu, several pyramids, temples, government palaces, several squares, a ball stadium were preserved. In ancient times, the city was surrounded by walls.
By the time of the Spanish invasion, the population had mainly relocated to Xinabahul , now the city of Hueuetenango , but the Sakuleu fortifications were used during the war with the conquistadors.
Pedro de Alvarado stormed the city in 1525, however, a well-defended city repelled the first attack of the Spaniards. Alvarado left his brother Gonzalo de Alvarado to lead the siege led by 40 horsemen, 80 foot soldiers and about 2,000 allies from the tribes of central Mexico . The defense of the city was led by the king of the country of Mam, named Kayb'il B'alam ( en: Kayb'il B'alam ), headed by 5,000 people (it is not clear from the chronicles whether this was the number of soldiers or the total population of Sakuleu).
After a month-long siege, the population of the city declined due to hunger and in October the city capitulated to the Spaniards. After that, it was abandoned, and 5 km from it, the new city of Huuetenango was founded.
In the late 1940s. The United Fruit Company ( en: United Fruit Company ) financed archaeological excavations and restoration of structures, in particular, covering the buildings with new white lime, which, as is known from historical sources, was often applied to Mayan culture buildings.
Sakuleu is open for tourists, there is a small museum.