Cancuén

Cancuén is an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located in the Pasión subregion of the central Maya lowlands in the present-day Guatemalan Department of Petén [1]. The city is notable for having one of the largest palaces in the Maya world [1]. Cancuén was a major city during the Classic Period, reaching its peak during the 7th century [1]. The city was a major trade center, specializing in jade, pyrite and obsidian [1]. Its strategic position on the river Pasion helped it dominate trade in the region [1]. Tajal Chan Ahk, one of the city's most powerful rulers, built the city's palace in 770 AD [1]. The city had two ball courts, a large marketplace and a dock on La Pasión River [1]. The site was rediscovered in 1905 by Austrian explorer Teoberto Maler [1].