El Cayo (Maya site)

El Cayo is a pre-Columbian Maya archaeological site located in the Petén Basin of Guatemala. Situated on the Salinas River (also known as the Chiquibul River), it lies near the modern border with Belize. The site was occupied primarily during the Late Classic period (c. 600-900 AD), although evidence suggests earlier occupation as well.

El Cayo is notable for its extensive hieroglyphic inscriptions, particularly on stairways and panels. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the site's political history, its relationships with neighboring polities, and its rulers. The decipherment of these texts has revealed the names of several El Cayo kings and details of their reigns, including military campaigns and dynastic alliances.

The site's architecture includes pyramids, palaces, and residential compounds, reflecting the typical layout of a Maya urban center. Investigations have focused on the central acropolis, where the most important structures and inscriptions are concentrated. Excavations have uncovered a variety of artifacts, including ceramics, lithics, and jade ornaments, offering clues about the daily life and social organization of El Cayo's inhabitants.

El Cayo's location on the Salinas River facilitated trade and communication with other Maya centers in the region. Its inscriptions mention interactions with sites such as Naranjo and Yaxchilán, indicating a complex network of political and economic relationships. The site's decline appears to have occurred around the time of the Terminal Classic period collapse, although the precise reasons for its abandonment remain a subject of ongoing research. El Cayo continues to be an important site for understanding the history and culture of the Maya civilization.