Arguably one of the area's most impressive pre-columbian sites, early monumental architecture here dates from the 4th century BC. Tikal is probably the best understood of any of the large lowland Maya cities, with the discovery of the tombs of many of the rulers on a long dynastic list, and the investigation of their monuments, temples and palaces.
It might have been abandoned some time around the 10th century CE because of changing climate, power struggles, or other still debated reasons. Long overgrown, it was rediscovered well-preserved in the middle of a vast jungle. The entire area around Tikal has been declared a National Park and is now a World Heritage Site.