Which were the great Maya cities?

             The Maya lived in city states, each with its own ruler. The cities were well organized. The largest Maya city was Tikal, in today’s Guatemala. It was settled in around 900 BC. But it rose to become an important city state only around AD 200. Tikal was in constant dispute with its neighbouring state Calakmul. The city had about 3,000 buildings. It extended over an area of 64 square kilometres, with a population of about 50,000.

            Palenque was another great city of the Maya. It became important from about AD 550. King Pakal the great, who ruled from AD 600 to 683, made this city great. But, after AD 780, the city’s power and glory declined.

            Another great city of the Maya Civilization was Chichen-Itza. It was founded in around AD 435. By AD 987, the city flourished, and become a major trading centre. The city Chichen-Itza is famous for its architectural wonders like the step pyramid of Kukulcan, the Temple of the Warriors, and the largest Maya ball game court.