What city has been called the “cradle of Maya civilization”?El MiradorTikalChichén ItzáPelenque

The city often referred to as the "cradle of Maya civilization" is El Mirador. El Mirador is an archaeological site in Guatemala that showcases some of the earliest and most significant developments of the Maya civilization, particularly during the Preclassic period.

Located in the northern lowlands of Guatemala, this site features impressive pyramids, such as the large pyramid known as La Danta, which is one of the largest structures built by the Maya. The site dates back to around 600 BC and is characterized by its early urban planning, monumental architecture, and complex societal structures, which set the foundation for later Maya cities like Tikal, Chichén Itzá, and Palenque.

In summary, El Mirador is significant not only for its monumental architecture but also for its role in the development of the political and social complexities that would define the Maya civilization in its later stages.