English: Caracol is the largest Maya archaeological site in

Belize, Central America. It was occupied as early as 1200 BC, Caracol has revealed an extensive and varied history. The true name of this ancient city, found in hieroglyphics throughout the site, has not yet been successfully deciphered. Its modern name is Spanish

for "snail," the derivation of which is not entirely clear. One translation of the emblem glyph, indicates it may have been named "Place of Three Hills," but this is also uncertain. In 650 AD, a population exceeding 150,000 was occupying the epicenter of the site. It the population through the creation of an immense agricultural field system and through elaborate city planning. Caracol is noted not only for its size during the Maya Classic era (A.D. 250-950), but also for its prowess in war; this includes an AD 562 defeat of Tikal (Guatemala) and a subsequent conquest of Naranjo (Guatemala) in AD 631. The ruins were first discovered by a logger in 1938, excavations did not begin until 1950. The most intensive work has taken place since 1985.