Note: Largest and most ancient Mayan city, originally characterized by nine sets of plazas and courts built on hills above swampland, and connected by bridges and causeways. Numerous hieroglyphic inscriptions. Tikal was an important ceremonial center from the 1st century to 900 CE, after which the city declined and was abandoned. As part of Tikal National Park, it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
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