Altun Ha is a Maya Site located off the old Northern Highway about 30 miles north of Belize City. Because of its proximity to Belize City it is a popular choice for day excursions available to passengers of cruise ships stopped in Belize. Altun Ha did not come to the attention of archaeologists until 1963, when the existence of a sizable ancient site was recognized from the air by the bush pilot and amateur Mayanist Hal Ball. Altun Ha has two plazas and thirteen structures. Archaeological investigations have shown that Altun Ha was occupied from 200 BC to 900 AD, when the site may have had a population of about 10,000 people. It has been surmised that Altun Ha was once a significant trading center for both jade and obsidian. About 900 AD there was some looting of elite tombs of the site, which some think is suggestive of a revolt against the site's rulers. After this the population dwindled, with a moderate surge of reoccupation in the 12th century before declining again to a small agricultural village. The ruins of the ancient structures had their stones reused for residential construction of the agricultural village of Rockstone Pond nearby. This picture was taken on 3 December 2010. Thanks for the comments and a special 'Thank you' to those mentioning my 800th upload, Sig..