Lamanai, less accessible to tourists than Altun Ha or Xunantunich, is an important site because it provides archaeological evidence of the Mayan presence over many centuries, beginning around CE 150.
Substantial populations will be present throughout the classic and postclassic periods.
Indeed, people living in the area will still be refacing some of the massive ceremonial buildings after the great centers, such as Tikal in neighboring Guatemala, are virtually abandoned in the tenth century.
