Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit, sometimes also known as Big Hat or Top Hat (especially shortly after its discovery) is an ancient Maya site in the Toledo District of the nation of Belize, about 40 km north of the town of Punta Gorda, at 16° 19' N, 88° 47' 60W. The name is Kekchi Maya language for "Big Hat", refering to the large elaborate head-dress worn by a sculpture of one of the site's ancient kings.

Nim Li Punit is a medium sized site from the Maya Classic period, flourishing from the 5th century through the 8th century. It consistes of structures around three plazas, including several step-pyramids, the tallest being 12.2 meters high. The site has a number of carved stelae depicting the ancient city's rulers. Several stelae are in an unfinished state, suggesting a rapid sudden halt to work.

Nim Li Punit was rediscovered in 1976. It has been mapped and some minor excavations done here by the Belize Department of Archeology. The site is near Belize's southern highway and is open to visitors.

External Links

• Nim Li Punit (http://www.southernbelize.com/nimli) on SouthernBelize.com
• Nim Li Punit (Big Hat) (http://www.belizediscover.com/info/Maya/Nim_Li_Punit.htm) on BelizeDiscover.com