Tikal was an important Mayan settlement for over 1500 years, starting about 700 BC. During the Classic Period 300 - 900 AD, the city prospered through trade and military conquest when the population peaked at 110,000. This civilization suffered a mysterious collapse after 900 AD when the cities became deserted and the jungle took over but was rediscovered by European explorers in the 1840's. We spent a 1/2 day in the ruins with a guide.. FABULOUS!!