By Beatriz Gandara | Project Leader
The city of Iximche, in the indigenous Mayan language means “corn tree”, its located in Tecpan, it was the first capital of Guatemala, or the cradle of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom. During the late postclassic period, the Maya civilization suffered migration of its important cities, giving rise to new generations from which emerged the Quiches, Kaqchikeles, Tzutujiles and Mames people. Each ethnic group settled in new territories in order to create their empire and form of government, with a social structure suited to their needs.
The city was built in plazas dividing it in different living spaces according to the Maya cosmovision: in Plaza “A” the Maya ball game field was located as well as the Palace of the Governors. Its construction structure consists of 13 squares positioned in the shape of a cross that, when joined together, integrate 20 corners; these numbers are related to the sacred calendar.
The priests were concentrated in Plaza “B” and, in the ceremonial center, the spiritual rites and Mayan ceremonies took place, as well as the celebration of the investiture of the new governors. In the imposing monuments of the ruins of Iximche, Plaza “C” stood out. It was one of the most important, since it was the area of concentration and preparation to receive wisdom: in other words, we could say that it was the area of learning.
At that time, teaching and learning already existed, but nowadays many children still do not have access to a quality education that allows them to discover their abilities and skills, being the most vulnerable the rural communities; it is estimated that the greatest risk of school dropout prevails in girls and young women.
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