Note: A Pre-Columbian archeological site in the highlands of southwestern Guatemala, near the city of Huehuetenango. Zaculeu was the capital of the Mam kingdom of the Mayan civilization. The site was first occupied in the 5th century, and the buildings from this era show the influence of Teotihuacan. The bulk of the site's construction dates from the Post-Classic era, from the 10th century until the early 16th century. There were a number of temple-pyramids and governmental palaces around a series of plazas, and a court for playing the Mesoamerican ball game. The site was originally fortified with walls. The city was attacked by the Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1525, but the city was able to defend itself against the Spanish at first. Alvarado left his brother Gonzalo de Alvarado in charge of a seige; the city was defended by the Mam king Caibil Balam. The siege lasted a month and the Mam, reduced to starvation, surrendered in October. After this Zaculeu was abandoned, and the new city of Huehuetenango was established about 5 km away.In the late 1940s the United Fruit Company sponsored archeological excavations and restorations. Zaculeu is an ancient Maya site in Guatemala with hieroglyphic inscriptions.
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