The Rio Bec area was first inhabited around 600 B.C with the first ceremonial center dated around 50 B.C.
Becan was certainly the most powerful and important Mayan city in the region during the classic period. A moat with seven bridges surrounded the city, rather like a medieval town and was built for defensive purposes. Today with the help of a guide it is possible to follow this moat around the city. Since the site was first discovered by Jack Eaton in 1937 there have been several periods of excavation, the most recent by I.N.A.H. Campeche State, from 1999 to 2001. During this last period work was concentrated on excavation and restoration of structures IX and X. Structure IX is the tallest on the site at over 30 metres high with a temple on top of the pyramid. Structure X is a very large palace with a pyramid front and a monster mouth entrance to the temple at the top which is crowned with a roof comb and faces east into the central plaza. The palace can be accessed from the north, west or south. On to the far south end a Beautiful mask of the Sun God Kinichna was recently discovered . Although much smaller then the masks of Kolhunlich, the state of preservation is really remarkable - the mask still has its original paint and is protected in a climate controlled room and viewed through glass. I.N.A.H. is planning to return to work this summer to contiune excavation and also to repair structual damage on structures III and IV caused by the heavy flooding from hurrican Isidro in Septemeber 2002. There is a fair amount of climbing to be done at the site. This is also an excellent site for photographers. The view of the South Plaza from structure IV, the view of structure III and IV from structure II The views of the central plaza and structures IX and X from structure VIII. The views of structure VIII amd X from structure IX are all worth the climb whether for photography or just to sit and enjoy Becan and the view.
The three towers of Xpujil 9 Kilometres away can be seen from structure IV and VIII. |
Becan
