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Becan
 Becan,
it's name meaning 'ditch of water,' is one of the most
fascinating sites in the Yucatan. Discovered in 1934
by Karl Ruppert, the area was originally settled as
early as 2000-1000 BC. It is believed that there was
a village on the site around 300 BC and you can see
evidences of buildings built in the Late Preclassic,
after 50 BC.
 What
makes Becan so interesting is that is an excellent example
of Mayan fortification. Between AD 100 and 250, a defensive
ditch or moat was dug surrounding the ceremonial city
and reservoirs. The dirt from the ditch was piled up
to create a fortified wall around the city. Originally
much deeper, the moat is now about 4 metres deep and
15 metres across. It was dug in the early decades of
the city, and it appears to have been partially filled
about 700 AD.
 At
one time Becan was the dominant centre of the Rio Bec
area. The oldest permanent structures have been dated
to about 550 BC. When you enter you see a tunnel that
goes under part of the building around the courtyard.
The tunnel is a good example of Mayan arches.
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