Nim
Li Punit, Belize
Nim Li Punit is a small, yet important archaeological site
from the Mayan Classic Period located in Southern Belize.
It is a modern name meaning “Big
Hat” in Kekchi Maya after an image of a ruler
depicted
on a stela recovered from the site. Its original name has yet
to be deciphered.
Nim Li Punit was established on the leveled summits of small
hills
to exploit nearby natural resources within the rich tropical
forests of the Maya Mountains
The population has been estimated between 5000-7000 people on
the region’s extensive trade network
The ruins
are known for their significant number of stelae,
including the tallest stela in Belize.
The second largest worked piece of jade found in Belize has
also been recovered from one of its royal tombs.
Nim Li Punit
flourished from the 5th century AD through the 8th century AD.
It contains structures around three plazas, including several
step-pyramids, the tallest being 11 meters high.
It was rapidly abandoned when the
Mayan civilization began to decline.