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Archaeological Zone of Cobá
Some hieroglyphic inscriptions on the site's stelae and panels can be used to confirm that Cobá was the city's original name. The 'hopped water,' because of its proximity to the lagoons, is one of the possible meanings and most plausible.
Cultural importance:
Cobá city developed around five lakes, which were essential for its development and wellbeing. The city was communicated through extensive raised stone roads, known as sacbé (white road) in the Mayan language, of variable length and width with approximately 70km2 of extension. The longest of them with 100 km., Reaches the site of Yaxuná, very close to Chichén Itzá.
The people of Cobá, who were not members of the strong class, lived in houses very similar to modern Mayan houses around the city center. The first human settlements were recorded between 100 BC and 300 AD when we think it consisted of a series of villages situated in the neighborhood of the lakes, whose agriculture and hunting were the basis of the economy.
Between 300 and 600 AD already Cobá had developed economic and political power by centralizing several towns in the immediate vicinity. The internal routes and to other cities and regions, consisting of over 50 roads, were established between 600 A.D. and 800 A.D. when most of the stelaes on site were also installed. When the road system was expanded, new buildings were constructed and its relationship with the Gulf coast strengthened while decreasing with the Petén Region, construction boom in the city occurred from 800 AD till 1000 AD.
Between 1000 and 1450 AD, its hegemonic power weakened. When new influences were gained from the more 'mexicanized' groups. The existing buildings and most of their sculptured monuments have been introduced into and incorporated in a new style, relocated on small platforms and niches.
Access:
Take federal highway number 307 south from Cancun, Quintana Roo, to Tulum, where you take highway 109 in the direction of Nuevo Xcan and arrive in Cobá after 47 kilometers. The visitor can also get to the site by taking public transportation.
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- Off The Beaten Path
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