Mayan temple damaged in tourist ‘apocalypse’ frenzy
GUATEMALA: Tourists flocking to Guatemala for “end of the
world” parties have damaged an ancient stone temple at Tikal, the
largest archeological site and urban center of the Mayan civilization.
“Sadly, many tourists climbed Temple II and caused damage,” said
Osvaldo Gomez, a technical adviser at the site, which is located some
550 kilometers (340 miles) north of Guatemala City.
“We are fine with the celebration, but (the tourists) should be more
aware because this is a (UNESCO) World Heritage Site,” he told local
media.
Gomez did not specify what was done, although he did say it was
forbidden to climb the stairs at the site and indicated that the damage
was irreparable.
Temple II, which is about 38 meters (125 feet) high and faces the
central Tikal plaza, is one of the site’s best known structures.
Friday marked the end of an era that lasted 5,200 years, according to
the Mayan “Long Count” calendar. Some believed the date also marked the
end of the world as foretold by Mayan hieroglyphs.
More than 7,000 people visited Tikal last Friday to see native Mayan
priests hold a colourful ceremony and light fires as the sun emerged to
mark the new era.
Critics complained that the event was really for tourists and had
little to do with the Mayans. About 42 percent of Guatemala’s 14.3
million residents are native Mayans, and most live in poverty and endure
discrimination. The ancient Mayans reached their peak of power in
Central America between the years 250 and 900 AD. UNESCO declared Tikal
a World Heritage Site in 1979.
AFP
|