BECAN MAYAN RUINS - CAMPECHE October 9
This Mayan ruins were discovered in 1939 by archaeologists Karl Ruppert and John Denison. These archaeologists gave the name to the site because of the conspicuous system of moats that surround significant portions of the site. The ancient Mayan name is unknown. From 1969 to 1971 archaeological excavations were made at Becan, sponsored by Tulane University and the National Geographic Society.
The primary section of Becan is ringed by a moat and there are remains of a wall, in some places almost 11 feet tall. The digging of ditches and construction of protective walls is very rare in the Mayan civilization. This man-made ditch is slightly over 2 Kms. long and was excavated in the late pre-classic between 100 and 250 AD. This trench is one of the oldest known defensive systems in Mexico.
Becan was the political, economical, and religious capital of the province known today as Rio Bec, to which the sites X Puhil, Chicanna, Channa, and Tzamonal belong. It is strategically located at the edge of the center of the Yucatan Peninsula, on the route that unites the river and lagoon zone of southwestern Campeche with the territories of Chetumal bay.
As any other archaeological site in Mexico, Becan is a very safe place to stroll safely and undisturbed. I strongly recommend that you take good and comfortable shoes because there is a lot of climbing. The site is opened seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and there is a watchman at the gate who will charge you the standard fee - currently approximately $4 USD - extra for video cameras.
